Russia threatens Moldova: You will suffer the same as Ukraine, we give everything to protect the Russian-speaking population

The Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, warned Moldova yesterday that it may suffer the fate of Ukraine if the conflict in Tiraspol is not resolved through direct dialogue. The head of Russian diplomacy claims that official Chisinau "does not want a direct dialogue with Tiraspol" and "supports a non-diplomatic solution to the conflict". Lavrov also promised that "he will do everything to protect the Russian-speaking population of Moldova and Transnistria." "Let's not forget that in Moldova, in addition to Transnistria, there is also Gagauzia, which also requires a special status," declared Lavrov. "I believe that the Moldovan authorities will act correctly, if they give up the geopolitical games imposed by the West and think about the interests of the citizens, who are currently living safely", declared Lavrov. At the same time, the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said once again that official Chisinau wants to resolve the conflict in Transnistria, the pro-Russian separatist region "peacefully" and vowed to go to Gagauzia to talk from close to the people protesting there. On the other hand, the head of Russian diplomacy declared that European politicians who want to limit the granting of visas to Russians are pathetic. He emphasized in his statement that Moscow will not be isolated. "I think EU citizens should not be penalized in response to the bloc's steps to ease visas for Russians," Lavrov said. EU foreign ministers reached political consensus to completely suspend the visa facilitation agreement between the European Union and Russia.