Talks about a possible coup in Moldova may be attempts by Russia to test the reaction from Moldovan residents and the global community to possible threats, said politologist Kārlis Daukšts.
President of Moldova Maia Sandu noted during a press briefing held on Monday, the 13th of February that Russia has plans to organise a coup in Moldova. According to her, Russia had plans to use protests from the opposition with involvement from military personnel, as well as Russian, Belarusian, Serbian and Montenegro citizens, and attack state institutions in an attempt to overthrow the government.
Daukšts said usually presidents are the last ones to learn about coups,
but if the coup becomes public knowledge, it cannot be considered a coup. The politologist said it may be a PR action from Russia to mislead the other side.
Daukšts also stresses that the situation in Moldova is complicated, and there are different ways this could play out: considering the politically fractured state, as well as events related to the national identity between Moldovan and Romanian people. Additionally, Gagauz people consider themselves a nation separate from Moldova and would rather take a «pro-Russian» position.
«The idea of a coup is in the air, but it is difficult to say if the coup is revealed. It is possible this was a political step to test vigilance towards possible threats of a coup,» said Daukšts. When asked if Russia is prepared to take any steps towards Moldova, considering the ongoing war in Ukraine, the foreign policy expert said no one can predict the behaviour or Russia’s leaders.
«Russia does not have a normal situation when it comes to planning or political goals. No one in the world can accurately say what the leaders of this regime are thinking,» said Daukšts.
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