Moldova: In the shadow of Putin’s war | DW Documentary

The people of Moldova have been living in fear since the Russian attack on the Ukraine. Their nation could be next on Moscow’s list. Russian politicians and propagandists issue outright threats, even including the prospect of an invasion.

It’s a danger also recognized by Maia Sandu, the country’s pro-European President: "We’re seeing military activities close to the borders of the Republic of Moldova. This is a dramatic situation for our neighbors. For us, it’s extremely threatening."

The concern is justified. Since 1992, Moscow has controlled the breakaway region of Transnistria in eastern Moldova and stationed troops there. The situation in Moldova was recently exacerbated when Vladimir Putin revoked a decree guaranteeing the nation’s sovereignty. The Moldovan government stepped down on 10 February; three days later, Maia Sandu announced the emergence of specific Russian plans to destabilize Moldova, including acts of sabotage and violence including attacks on government offices and hostage-taking.

Moldova is also living in the shadow of the war. More than a year ago, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Moldovans prepared to leave their country: "We were afraid, we had our cases packed and ready," says Elena Cernei, who lives close the Ukrainian border. More than 600,000 Ukrainian refugees arrived in the Republic of Moldova last year, gas and electricity prices exploded, inflation rose to more than 30 per cent - immense challenges for the poorest nation in Europe with a population of just 2.6 million. Entrepreneur Anatolie Dicusar is struggling to keep his business going; he’s turned his factory into a clothing warehouse for refugees. The blogger and musician Vova Karmanov stopped making music; instead, he films reports about the conflicts in post-Soviet regions. President Maia Sandu fights tirelessly for democracy and freedom. Moldova attained official EU candidate status on 24 June 2022.

But society is increasingly split over the war in Ukraine thanks to Russian propaganda. This film by Irene Langemann charts the personal fates of protagonists as well as the societal and political developments in the Republic of Moldova since the start of the all-out Russian war on Ukraine - and seeks answers to the question: Will the country survive this ordeal?

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[marmeladoffable]

As a Moldovan I can add a few things, just to be clear for the international public, the so called Moldovan language is a made up story by the Soviet propaganda, there's no difference between "Moldovan" and romanian language. Another thing that's weird, the whole documentary is presented in a way much dramatic and sad than the general spirit in the country, yes it's hard times, but we are optimistic, and changes are finally happening towards our goal, which is being part of the Europeans civilized world.

[VoicuDragomir]

Warm wishes from România! Moldovans are Europeans 👋🇪🇺 Keep up the fight for freedom!

[hiss]

I've had coworkers from Moldova in the past. They were really well-spoken people, and very kind. I hope their homes are safe. 😢

[redskytitan]

By way of an update, protests have stopped for a few months now, and the political party run by Ilan Shor has been outlawed. This doesn’t mean pro-Russian forces won’t continue to try to destabilize the country, but at the moment it feels eerily silent and everyone seems to mind their own business. I just returned from Moldova in mid-August. It’s still a beautiful place and I wish the future would bring peace and prosperity to this region.

[dkwlin]

As a Taiwanese, every scene of polarization and the narrative from Anti-Sandu movement in Moldova are deja vu.

[parvezsohelahmed]

Love and Respect for Peoples of Moldova from Bangladesh for their kindness to the Ukranian Refugees despite their poor economy . Hard time will leave soon and will bring enormous joy in your life for your kind and brave heart.

[burmy]

The russians calling the moldovans of alcoholics is the biggest irony I've ever heard.

[thisismetoday]

15:53 Love her! We need more people like her that speak up and use their voice!!

[RussianVideoPodcast]

Dear Moldovans, brothers, please protect your independence, your languge, your culture.

[roznovanvladgeorge]

Multă iubire din Romania către R. Moldova!!! ❤❤❤
Aici oamenii de rând se gândesc la voi și speră sa ne fie mai bine tuturor!

Am trecut prin momente și mai grele decat cele de azi (1812, 1848, 1917, 1940)

[jareczek]

Stay strong Moldova! Greetings from 🇵🇱

[lim]

The resilience of the people of Moldova in the face of uncertainty and external threats is truly inspiring. This documentary offers a poignant glimpse into their lives and the challenges they confront. Thank you for shedding light on their struggles and their unwavering spirit.

[toomuchcaffeine]

The president speaks at least three languages: romanian, russian and english. That's impressive.

[ovidiumoldovan]

We have to take care of our sister, Moldova. We also have to fully support Ukraine.

[serendipity]

It is so similar to the conflict here, in the Caucasus, in Azerbaijan. I was a little kid in the 90s. And everywhere was full of traumatized refugees from Karabakh. And they told horror stories from the war that I could not come to my senses for days as a child.

[ScarFo]

As a romanian, i hope our brothers, with our help, will manage to take the european path. It will be a hard battlr between generations, but Moldova's place was always beside Romania and Europe! Fiti tari fratilor!

[asadktk]

Love from pakistan🇵🇰!! To Moldova.. I like Moldovan people ❤❤❤❤ May the peace prevails!!!!

[jamesplanckaert]

My wife is Moldovan, I’m American. We travel back and forth quite often, I consider Moldova my 2nd home and family. First, it is a beautiful country filled with hard-working people, and they may not have much money but they love to dance and share their delicious food at get together’s. We noticed, at the beginning of the war, The country seemed pretty divided, I would say now most of the countries is definitely pro European Union. There is fear of repercussions from the extreme Russian types who are definitely in the country but when you speak to people at restaurants and in general conversation, the reality is, the DW should have shown that huge pro European walked in Chisinau… that was pro European and had over 100, 000 people show up their opposition only had a few hundred that show up from Russia and they are paid… We came across many people who had had been paid them selves and simply said I’m still European, but they paid me money so I went out there, and I took their money. It’s a bit crazy. It’s a wonderful place and I hope I can be a part of helping a beautiful, free and wonderful prosperous Moldova! Moldova matters!

[JudyFayLondon]

Sending blessings to those kind people. Hope the world will be peaceful soon.

[raresremetan]

A strong message from Romania: dear Moldovan brothers, do not end the fight for democracy. We’re with you in everything. Blood is thicker than water, and one day, sooner or later, if the people of Moldova decide so, we in Romania will be delighted to be reunited with you forever! 🇲🇩🤍🇷🇴🇪🇺