ARCHIVE – Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/Archive picture
Keystone
One week before the parliamentary elections in Moldova, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has imposed sanctions against pro-Russian politicians in the neighboring country. The punitive measures were directed “against people who destabilize Moldova in the interests of Moscow”, Selensky said in a video message. “Ukraine supports Moldova, and we are interested in the stability of our neighbor – in Moldova’s success.”
The list of eleven names also includes Evghenia Gutul, governor of the autonomous region of Gagauzia in Moldova. She has been set up by Moscow to oppose the pro-European Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The sanctions are more symbolic than practical; they mean that these people are not allowed to engage in economic activity in Ukraine.
Moldova is a candidate for EU accession
In the small ex-Soviet republic of Moldova, located between Ukraine and Romania, pro-European and pro-Russian forces have long been arguing over the course to take. Moldova is a candidate for EU accession, which is why Brussels and countries such as Germany have campaigned for continued rapprochement. Polls suggest that Sandu’s party PAS (Party for Action and Solidarity) could once again become the strongest force in the elections on September 28, but will no longer be able to govern alone.