Portnikov: Moldova’s choice between European future and Russian past
Moldovan citizens face a choice between the future and the past, asserts Ukrainian journalist Vitali Portnikov. In his YouTube podcast, Portnikov stated that Russia will inevitably lose influence in the post-Soviet region, lacking the capacity to occupy all of Ukraine.
According to him, Moldova’s natural path lies in aligning with European democracies.
Portnikov further argued that, although Alexandr Stoianoglo claims to be pro-European, he exposed his true stance when he questioned Moldova’s decision to align with sanctions against Russia.
“It is an internationally acknowledged fact that Russia committed an act of aggression against Ukraine and violated its territorial integrity. On one hand, you have maintained diplomatic relations with Russia, but on the other, you have joined international sanctions against it. Was it mandatory for the Republic of Moldova, as a candidate state, to participate in these sanctions?” Stoianoglo asked.
“Sanctions are imposed to end the war and to halt the financing of bombs and tanks that kill innocent people in their own homes. This is the purpose of the sanctions. Moldova respects these measures, as otherwise, our entire banking system and other connected elements of our economy—integrated as part of international trade—would also be sanctioned,” responded President Maia Sandu.
Portnikov noted that in the absence of a direct border between Russia and Moldova, the connection could only be compared to what is termed in medicine as "phantom limb pain."
“One of the main criticisms the former Prosecutor General has made of the current president was his statement that Moldova should not have joined the European Union sanctions against Russia. This has essentially been Alexandr Stoianoglo’s primary line of approach,” Portnikov stated.
It is worth noting that both candidates expressed during the electoral debate their intent to maintain good relations with Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
