Moldova in Russia’s proposed security order: Putin seeks “independence referendums” in Gagauzia and Transnistrian region if the country joins the EU
Moscow’s proposals for a “new European security order” concern several states. In particular, Russia demands that NATO refrain from stationing military bases in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and that Finland leave the North Atlantic Alliance. Also, the Kremlin proposes the federalization of the Republic of Moldova.
According to the German publication BILD, cited by Unian, Ukraine is being offered neutrality and asked to abandon its bid to join NATO. However, the possibility of the country joining the European Union is not ruled out.
At the same time, Moscow seeks to retain the occupied territories and gain control over the entire Donbas region, including those areas within the Donetsk and Luhansk regions currently under Kyiv's control.
Furthermore, there is a proposal to demilitarize the cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv, ensuring that Ukraine cannot use them as naval military bases.
Some of Russia's demands directly concern the Republic of Moldova. Moscow reportedly proposes transforming the country into a federation that would include Gagauzia and Transnistrian region.
Should the Republic of Moldova join the European Union, these two regions would be granted the opportunity to hold referendums on their independence.
In exchange for these concessions, Russia promises to withdraw its nuclear weapons and intermediate-range missiles from Belarus, as well as its troops from the Transnistrian region.
BILD notes, however, that this is merely one of several options being discussed within unofficial negotiation circles. Various mediation groups are competing, and it remains unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin supports this plan.
