Language key as EU-aligned Moldova ‘battles’ pro-Russian Gagauzia

Moldovan language teacher counters Russian influence in Gagauzia through free Romanian classes, amid pro-EU efforts and Russian ties.

Language teacher Sorina Stoianova has found herself at the forefront of Moldova’s efforts to counter Russian influence in its rebel Gagauzia region, which borders Ukraine.

Already threatened by pro-Russian separatists in breakaway Transnistria — which last month appealed to Moscow for “protection” — Moldova’s pro-EU government is trying to reach out to Gagauzians in the south with free classes in Romanian, the country’s official language.

The tiny Turkic minority, who are Orthodox Christians, briefly declared themselves independent after the fall of communism.

Although their native language is close to Turkish, most of the 1,35,000 Gagauz now speak Russian.

‘Destabilisation efforts’

And Yevgenia Gutsul, the governor of their autonomous region makes no bones about her ties to Moscow.

Last week, Ms. Gutsul travelled to Russia to ask its President Vladimir Putin for his “support” in the face of alleged “destabilisation by the Moldovan authorities”.