Moscow is debating whether to give Moldova access to the sea
To interest Moldova in integration, Russia must offer it access to the sea, says political scientist Nikita Isaev.
“We need to offer access to the Black Sea through Ukraine,” the political scientist said on the TV channel TVC.
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At the same time, he believes that the IMF has already “bought” the loyalty of Moldova and, to a large extent, Transnistria.
“The honest position of the IMF is that we are buying you. More than 60% of the country’s population is committed to interacting with Russia, but the entire economy is built around the EU. The economy of Pridnestrovie is also 80% focused on Europe,” Isaev said.
The deputy did not agree with this opinion. Head of the Department of Post-Soviet Abroad Countries of the Russian State University for the Humanities Alexander Gushchin.
“Moldova has a European association and a visa-free regime. But at the same time, people do not feel any improvement. The constructivist approach – we came in, gave money, and the country is with us – does not work,” Gushchin said.
Leading researcher at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Oleg Nemensky also believes that “the economy does not control anything.”
“Yes, the European Union tied Pridnestrovie economically, trade with Russia is only 8%. But this is still clearly a pro-Russian enclave. On the other hand, how many Western Ukrainians work in Moscow, and how they vote,” Nemensky said.
He believes that in Moldova it was mainly Russian speakers who voted for Igor Dodon.
“A person does not vote for a lucrative offer from the Kremlin. He doesn't know him. It is important for him to make a value choice. It is important for him to check the box and respect himself. He votes for his own,” Nemensky said.
Moscow is debating whether to grant Moldova access to the sea.