On Sunday, the US Embassy in Moldova announced a provision of over $30 million to help the tiny former Soviet state with its humanitarian fallout from the war in neighboring Ukraine. Moldova, whose border is only 30 miles from the Ukrainian port of Odessa, is not directly involved in the war next door, but Moldovans are already feeling the ripple effects of Russia’s invasion.
There’s an obscure sliver of land tucked between Moldova and Ukraine. And suddenly, it has become big news, as analysts speculate whether it will be the next region to be annexed by Russia. The World’s Patrick Cox has visited the region, which lives in an identity limbo.
Between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova lies the breakaway region known as Transnistria. The region is made up of a majority of ethnic Russians, and many want to be part of Russia. So why not, after Crimea?Between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova lies the breakaway region known as Transnistria. The region is made up of a majority of ethnic Russians, and many want to be part of Russia. So why not, after Crimea?