Moldova's Foreign Ministry condemns Russia's groundless accusations of neo-Nazism and Russophobia

Moldova’s Foreign Ministry on 28 December condemned the annual report from the Russian Foreign Ministry on "violations of the rights of Russian citizens and compatriots in foreign countries". In the report, the Russians accuse Moldova of allegedly "rapidly slipping into support for the ideologies of neo-Nazism and racial discrimination".

Source: Moldovan online news publication NewsMaker

Details: On 20 December, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a report by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, which contains statements about alleged "violations of the rights of Russian citizens" in 42 countries and partially recognised Kosovo. Particular attention was paid to Moldova, which the Russians accused of "destroying historical ties with Russia", "spreading Russophobia", and "imposing totalitarianism".

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, "the problem of violations of the rights of people from Russia abroad has only been exacerbated in recent years by the efforts of Western countries". The ministry also linked this to Russia's war against Ukraine, calling the "special military operation [this is how Russians call the war in Ukraine – ed.]" "a pretext to justify discriminatory attitudes towards compatriots".

The Russian agency also stated that the "Maia Sandu regime" allegedly acts in a similar way to the Ukrainian authorities, "destroying the Soviet heritage" and "undermining national identity". The report states that the attitude towards Russian speakers in Moldova has deteriorated since the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry categorically denied these accusations, emphasising their provocative nature and the absence of any facts that could support them.

"The Ministry categorically rejects the unfounded accusations made in the annual report of the Russian Foreign Ministry about alleged discrimination against Russian citizens and the promotion of Russophobia in Moldova. Moldova fully respects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or language. The Moldovan authorities strictly adhere to the principles of the rule of law and international human rights standards," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry also condemned the provocative statement about "similarities with the Ukrainian scenario". "[Such statements] do not contribute to strengthening security in the region but only increase tensions and incite hatred. We urge citizens not to succumb to manipulation. (...) Moldova remains committed to promoting peaceful dialogue and constructive cooperation based on mutual respect and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," the ministry concluded.

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