When Moldovan special forces held military exercises this summer in Comrat, the administrative centre of the autonomous region of Gagauzia, a local website claimed that the drill was aimed at “restoring order” in the southern region and scaring residents. The August 17 practice was in fact part of nationwide exercises, but the false assertion of an attack to Gagauzia’s autonomy found fertile soil in the pro-Russian disinformation space.
Until late February, the Mirnoe-Tabaki crossing point in southwestern Moldova was mainly used by those traveling to the neighbouring Ukrainian city of Bolhrad to shop for cheaper groceries. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the flow has reversed direction.