Odessa–Chisinau–Tiraspol (2014)

2th May 2014March 11, 2017 Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Pro-Russian protesters, armed with shields, bats, balaclavas and truncheons in Odessa, Ukraine (Loreline Merelle@B2)

(BRUSSELS2) After EUTM Mali, another atmosphere, another report. This time it was our young reporter Loreline Merelle who went to Odessa, Chisinau, and Tiraspol, between Ukraine and Moldova and Transnistria, during a more than chaotic period. She was able to follow the developments of the European Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Moldova and Ukraine, but also the contrasting developments in the situation in these two neighboring countries, as in Transnistria, this small republic, secessionist from Moldova , and recognized by no one... so far.

A Odessa, the first commercial port of Ukraine and fallback base, until further notice, of part of the Ukrainian navy (well what is left of it after the Russian coup in Crimea), we can see rising tensions mount. In this hitherto peaceful town, at least from a political point of view, where speaking Russian was just as natural as speaking Ukrainian, the situation is also becoming tense, with two camps organizing themselves: the Pro-Russians of one side, the Euromaidan on the other. From our point of view, it is quite obvious that the strategy of tension led by Russia and the pro-Russians should, at some point, reach this city on the Black Sea. Some scuffles also took place this Friday (May 2) which confirms us in this "intuition". And lately Vladimir Poutine did not hide the nostalgia which animated it of these grounds - of Donbass in Odessa - which had belonged to the eternal Russia of Catherine II.

Lire:

A Chisinau (Moldova), we intend to stay as far away as possible from the conflict which is gaining momentum in Ukraine. Igor Corman, the President of the Chamber, thus clearly puts forward the neutrality of Moldova and its refusal to join NATO, as a safeguard measure vis-à-vis Russia.

Lire: (club) Moldova's neutrality and a European perspective (Igor Corman)

A Tiraspol (Transnistria), we see the difficulties persisting or even becoming encysted in Transnistria, in its relationship with its two neighbours. she was able to talk fairly freely with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Lire:

As for the EUBAM Moldova Ukraine mission, which will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary, we can have some questions about its impact. Read :

NB : It should be noted that this last (solo) report was entirely financed with our own funds from the blog (without benefiting as usual from a "press trip"), which is becoming rare in the panorama of the European press. This is only possible thanks to the unfailing support of B2 contributors and Club subscribers who thus allow us to have a (small) operational autonomy. We would also like to thank those in charge of this EUBAM mission for their welcome, as well as the various contacts in Odessa ... who will recognize each other.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)