Russia’s ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, has accused the country’s authorities of steadily undermining their declared neutrality in recent months.
Oleg Ozerov Moldova neutrality concerns
Speaking publicly, Ozerov pointed to a range of developments, including Moldova’s participation in NATO-linked exercises, increased defence spending, and the reception of military equipment from the alliance.
Particular concern, he said, centred on what he described as a “coalition of the willing.” Referring to information he attributed to Russian intelligence, Ozerov claimed:
“According to our information, drones are being produced and tested on the country’s territory [Moldova]. It appears they are later used for the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces. How can this be reconciled with neutral status?”
Transnistria and language issue raised
Ozerov also referred to a March 23 interview by Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri, who outlined priorities for Transnistria, including the promotion of the Romanian language in schools, the expansion of the unified 112 emergency system, and road repairs.
“Why is the language issue once again being brought to the forefront?” Ozerov asked. “The conflict in Transnistria, let me remind you, began precisely over language.”
Criticism of historical narratives
A significant part of the ambassador’s remarks focused on historical interpretations in Moldovan school textbooks. He criticised the portrayal of Ion Antonescu, a wartime Romanian leader allied with Nazi Germany, suggesting it presents him in an overly favourable light.
“If Moldova aligns itself with Ukraine in its actions, then with what exactly is it aligning?” Ozerov said. “With the events of May 2, 2014, in Odesa? With the shelling of civilians in Donbas? With restrictions on the Russian language in schools and media?”
Domestic policies and cultural tensions
Ozerov also raised concerns about domestic developments, including the reported closure of Russian-language kindergartens in Chișinău and restrictions on supplementary education in Russian for preschool children.
“You are being told that there can be only one native language – Romanian. But if a child’s native language is Russian, should they not be prepared for school?” he quoted organisers of affected programmes as saying.
He further cited incidents of vandalism, including graffiti resembling swastikas on memorial sites and the defacement of plaques commemorating wartime events.
Broader political message
“These are signs of revanchism,” Ozerov said, drawing comparisons with developments in the Baltic states, such as the removal of Soviet-era monuments and disputes over minority rights.
In conclusion, the ambassador posed a broader question to Moldova’s leadership:
“With whom does Chișinău want to associate itself on the international stage? With those promoting extremist rhetoric, or with a democratic Europe where, it is said, the rights of all minorities are respected?”
