Indictment of Gagauzia Leader Signals Kremlin Strategy in Moldova
The indictment of Gagauz leader Evghenia Guțul highlights Russia’s intensified efforts to manipulate the political landscape in Moldova, particularly targeting the Moldovan diaspora, according to National Security Adviser Stanislav Secrieru. “Russia and its proxies are now actively focusing their efforts on the Moldovan diaspora,” Secrieru stated, reports 24brussels.
Political scientist Oktawian Milewski noted that Guțul’s indictment is part of a broader initiative to eliminate corruption from Moldovan politics. He highlighted her rise to power following a disputed election in 2023, where electoral gifts including food and essential goods were reportedly distributed to voters.
Milewski asserts that the Gagauz elections in April-May 2023 were a precursor to a larger scheme planned by the Kremlin for the summer and autumn of 2024, aimed at influencing elections across all of Moldova. Despite lacking political experience, Guțul emerged as a key figure in the Kremlin’s messaging within Gagauzia and among the pro-Russian opposition in Chisinau.
Following the court ruling, local media reported that Guțul was taken into custody. Her lawyer, Sergiu Moraru, announced plans to appeal the decision. “This is not a trial, but a public execution. I can’t say that there is evidence there, there is fiction,” Moraru stated in comments to local media.
