We’re seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential runoff today—an effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Authorities are on high alert. Thread with instances of meddling, which I'll be updating in real time ⬇️ Organised voter transportation—illegal under our election code—is underway in the Transnistrian region, as reported by reputable @promolex election monitors. By 11:00, turnout in the region had already exceeded the total from the entire first round.

As a former researcher I am sad to see prestigious institution @CrisisGroup to publish poor quality research. A proper peer-review of the report on #Moldova wld have revealed myriad of flaws & gaps. Stepping for a sec in my old shoes to point out just a few. 1/21 Rich on claims, thin on analysis. Report contains plenty of statements which are not assessed critically. It mentions TN source to claim that it is twice more expensive to import goods via MD than through UKR. No evidence presented, just words. 2/21

reminder #Nordstream
1. January 2006 explosions in southern #Russia hit gas pipe & elect tower, halt energy supplies 2 Georgia.
2. April 2009 explosion at Central Asia Tsentr4 pipe suspends gas exports from #Turkmenistan 2 Russia.
What did Moscow say-->1/1 1. pro-Chechen insurgents are behind the explosions.
2. #Turkmenistan 's aging pipeline system needs repair & reconstruction.
Explosions coincidently but timely served #Russia 's interests-->1/2

I spent last week in #Moldova, uncertainty and fragility are two key words which describe the current situation. Below are some insights based on conversations & observations during my stay. 1/19 Government installed last August run the country more in emergency (state of emergency in healthcare, energy sector & now cause of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine) than in normal mode. Emergency is the new normal & probably to stay here for some time. 2/19

Last time #Transnistria made to the headlines was when Sheriff Tiraspol defeated Real Madrid. This time around it is not #championsleague which catapults Transnistria in, but geopolitics. Let me weigh in as the news about imminent escalation of the conflict multiply. 1/38 For years Russia used Transnistria as a multipurpose vehicle against Moldova. 1st, building image of more viable and prosperous entity than MD proper. In the past it was not rare to hear on the right bank talk abt cheap household heating & higher pensions in Transnistria. 2/38