Main content

Moldova - East or West?

This former Soviet republic faces both east and west - but which way is best for Moldova's future?

Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, the former Soviet Republic of Moldova has recently been awarded EU candidate status.

In an echo of what happened in Ukraine, Moldova lost a chunk of its eastern territory to separatists in a short war 30 years ago. The separatists were backed by elements of the Russian army. Since then Transnistria has remained a post-Soviet 鈥渇rozen conflict.鈥

In recent months almost 500,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into Moldova 鈥 the highest per capita influx to a neighbouring country. Up to 90,000 have remained in Moldova, one of Europe鈥檚 poorest countries. The republic鈥檚 president has warned that President Putin has his sights set on her country. Tessa Dunlop travels to Moldova to hear what Moldovans think about the war in Ukraine and their country鈥檚 future.

Produced by John Murphy

(Image: Dr. Tessa Dunlop speaking to villagers from Chircaiesti, close to the borders of Ukraine and Transnistria. Credit: 麻豆社/John Murphy)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Thu 18 Aug 2022 19:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 18 Aug 2022 01:32GMT
  • Thu 18 Aug 2022 08:06GMT
  • Thu 18 Aug 2022 12:32GMT
  • Thu 18 Aug 2022 19:06GMT

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes