Moldova: In the shadow of Putin’s war | DW Documentary

The people of Moldova have been living in fear since the Russian attack on the Ukraine. Their nation could be next on Moscow’s list. Russian politicians and propagandists issue outright threats, even including the prospect of an invasion.
It’s a danger also recognized by Maia Sandu, the country’s pro-European President: "We’re seeing military activities close to the borders of the Republic of Moldova. This is a dramatic situation for our neighbors. For us, it’s extremely threatening."
The concern is justified. Since 1992, Moscow has controlled the breakaway region of Transnistria in eastern Moldova and stationed troops there. The situation in Moldova was recently exacerbated when Vladimir Putin revoked a decree guaranteeing the nation’s sovereignty. The Moldovan government stepped down on 10 February; three days later, Maia Sandu announced the emergence of specific Russian plans to destabilize Moldova, including acts of sabotage and violence including attacks on government offices and hostage-taking.
Moldova is also living in the shadow of the war. More than a year ago, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Moldovans prepared to leave their country: "We were afraid, we had our cases packed and ready," says Elena Cernei, who lives close the Ukrainian border. More than 600,000 Ukrainian refugees arrived in the Republic of Moldova last year, gas and electricity prices exploded, inflation rose to more than 30 per cent - immense challenges for the poorest nation in Europe with a population of just 2.6 million. Entrepreneur Anatolie Dicusar is struggling to keep his business going; he’s turned his factory into a clothing warehouse for refugees. The blogger and musician Vova Karmanov stopped making music; instead, he films reports about the conflicts in post-Soviet regions. President Maia Sandu fights tirelessly for democracy and freedom. Moldova attained official EU candidate status on 24 June 2022.
But society is increasingly split over the war in Ukraine thanks to Russian propaganda. This film by Irene Langemann charts the personal fates of protagonists as well as the societal and political developments in the Republic of Moldova since the start of the all-out Russian war on Ukraine - and seeks answers to the question: Will the country survive this ordeal?
#documentary #dwdocumentary #moldova #putin
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[@marmeladoffable]

As a Moldovan I can add a few things, just to be clear for the international public, the so called Moldovan language is a made up story by the Soviet propaganda, there's no difference between "Moldovan" and romanian language. Another thing that's weird, the whole documentary is presented in a way much dramatic and sad than the general spirit in the country, yes it's hard times, but we are optimistic, and changes are finally happening towards our goal, which is being part of the Europeans civilized world.

[@Ukie88]

If Moldavian’s speak rom@nian, why are they not in Romania? Need a history lesson here that’s not soviet.

[@olegt.6021]

@@Ukie88why aren’t Belgians in France? Stop asking these stupid questions!!

[@teodora7219]

It shows what a BS this documentary is. They could not find Moldavians who speak the national language of Moldova - Romanian! They only found Russian-speaking Moldavians!

[@ionpopescu5415]

question: why do R.Moldova citizens speak to the journalists in Russian and not in Romanian? ;)

[@marmeladoffable]

@@teodora7219 I thought the same, it showed a distorted image of Moldova, in reality there's very few russian speakers, majority of the young generation don't even understand russian anymore.

[@burmy1774]

The russians calling the moldovans of alcoholics is the biggest irony I've ever heard.

[@johnnyblue4799]

True that... they're very similar in the drinking behavior. Drinking vodka from coffee mugs.

[@paulgibbon5991]

Every Russian accusation is a confession.

[@TolstiyParen]

you must understand that this is a made-up story to add drama to the report

[@interpretolog]

🙄 🤦🏻‍♀️ Никогда русские так не считали, что за бред?

[@forfun3394]

Я тоже не знаю кто им такое придумал)))

[@VoicuDragomir]

Warm wishes from România! Moldovans are Europeans 👋🇪🇺 Keep up the fight for freedom!

[@user-bi6rx8do7j]

Так они и так европейцы, они же в Европе живут. Вы дурак?

[@lidijalincender461]

Moldovans are Romanians.

[@oldschool1208]

Moldavians *

[@Cyberdemon1542]

And they are Romanians too.

[@komikvine1151]

Try to go there and kishinev airport police start to usurp your money

[@hiss9989]

I've had coworkers from Moldova in the past. They were really well-spoken people, and very kind. I hope their homes are safe. 😢

[@user-qp8uj1lc3j]

And crooks 🤣

[@andywinger4197]

I'm listening to the pro-Russian Moldovans and reminded of Republicans in America. Humans are susceptible to propaganda.

[@johnishikawa2200]

@hiss9989 : Moldova and Ukraine will be warmly welcomed back into Europe , as members of the EU as soon as Russia is driven out of Ukraine , and Ukraine's 1991 borders are restored . Ukraine will inevitably become a member of NATO , whereupon the whole region will be safe again . SLAVA UKRAINI🇺🇦🇺🇸.

[@dotabuff5288]

*RUSSIA IS THE ONLY TRUSTFUL COUNTRY OF EUROPE, OTHERS ARE JUST B1TCHES OF WASHINGTON, THEY LOST INDEPENDENCE AND DIGNITY LONG TIME AGO*

[@rl945]

Yes, therefore the whole country is very well spoken and, I am sure, every other citizen holds a PhD.

[@dkwlin4351]

As a Taiwanese, every scene of polarization and the narrative from Anti-Sandu movement in Moldova are deja vu.

[@napillnik]

It sucks when authoritarian dictatorships have an eye on your home.

[@mobeyond]

你就别装比了……台湾和大陆，与俄罗斯和北约，能是一回事？牵强附会，生拉硬扯，一向是岛产绿毛的惯用技俩……😅😅😅😅

[@ingridakerblom7577]

China is more capable for true terror on another level than Russia is.. We are lucky Xi & the party care more about Chineese "glory" than being friends with Putin..

[@ov7419]

History in itself is a deja vue thing. It seems that Taiwanese didn't learn their history lesson yet

[@cristibrad6742]

it is good to know that nations are struggling all around the globe for the same reasons despite the propaganda calling for people to lie down and do nothing so they worsen every passing day.

[@parvezsohel6ahmed383]

Love and Respect for Peoples of Moldova from Bangladesh for their kindness to the Ukranian Refugees despite their poor economy . Hard time will leave soon and will bring enormous joy in your life for your kind and brave heart.

[@ChickenVeggi]

🇧🇩 🤝 🇺🇦 ❤

[@iberiano-ls2rv]

Bless you and love from Spain.

[@redskywarrior]

By way of an update, protests have stopped for a few months now, and the political party run by Ilan Shor has been outlawed. This doesn’t mean pro-Russian forces won’t continue to try to destabilize the country, but at the moment it feels eerily silent and everyone seems to mind their own business. I just returned from Moldova in mid-August. It’s still a beautiful place and I wish the future would bring peace and prosperity to this region.

[@cehaem2]

People want to express their point of view.

[@James-qh7cm]

Banned an oposisiton party! Wow yes sounds like a really democratic and eu thing to do. Wonder her funds her? Usa maybe.

[@thisismetoday]

15:53 Love her! We need more people like her that speak up and use their voice!!

[@ovidiumoldovan6510]

We have to take care of our sister, Moldova. We also have to fully support Ukraine.

[@luciuscornelius4037]

u go first. start with it. go

[@anamelikeothers]

Fully agree 100% Ovidiu. 👍

[@babyboo7741]

We? Wake up then go to the frontlines 😏

[@td9250]

@@babyboo7741 I agree; people without upper education should be drafted. :)

[@doodsrem]

Go Ovidiu.. go !! There’s mobilization in Ukraine right now go sign up

[@jareczek7822]

Stay strong Moldova! Greetings from 🇵🇱

[@serbianwarrior385]

😂😂😂this guy Moldova sadly doesnt have much choice,if they try to join NATO and go fully against Russia they will finish like Ukraine, only Moldova has only 2,5 mil people i think so USA and EU really need to stop encouraging this poor countries going against Russia

[@T.2.S.A.]

You also Poland! XXX from 🇳🇱

[@alexeyb6129]

They speak in Russian their )

[@cristibrad6742]

@@serbianwarrior385 Transnistria military installation was basically just so that Russia can prove that they still project power far from their borders. Then came the more well known base in Syria when Russia felt on high horses, followed by the mess in Africa. It's up to every liberty loving sap to say enough is enough.

[@HotAI-1990]

@@serbianwarrior385 you re big time mistaken. These countries want to join nato bcause of russia's threats. Remember how they invaded and annexxed part of Georgia... Do you really think Georgia wants to join Russia after all their aggression? Russia is all about oppression

[@RussianVideoPodcast]

Dear Moldovans, brothers, please protect your independence, your languge, your culture.

[@Vlad-yi6oo]

Say russians that destroy all of it😂😂

[@alexharrison9340]

By drinking Coca-Cola and opening more KFC and McDonalds.

[@serendipity1999]

It is so similar to the conflict here, in the Caucasus, in Azerbaijan. I was a little kid in the 90s. And everywhere was full of traumatized refugees from Karabakh. And they told horror stories from the war that I could not come to my senses for days as a child.

[@constanzza777]

All this because of the ambitions of Imperial Russia ...

[@nataliasalmanova6020]

@@constanzza777 oops, wrong here! Russia supports Armenia (and the citizen of the Karabakh) in that conflict. While USA via Israel supply Azerbaijan with guns.

[@casper8464]

@@nataliasalmanova6020 Without Russia and the ottoman empire, there would be no conflict. It stems from there, its roots even before the Tzars. I'd say they are connected.

[@cehaem2]

@@casper8464 Without Russia Armenians and Azeris would have killed each other tenthousand times. Only the Soviet Union could guarantee peace in the Caucasus.

[@mofolee]

Actually it was Stalin, a Georgian, who gave away ancestral Armenian land in Karabakh to surly Azeri goat-molesters. Armenians had lived their for a thousand years before the invention of Islam, and long before the arrival of the Turks. It was the age of nationalism, not empire that heralded the genocides of the Armenians by the Young Turks, and now by the corrupt Azeri plutocrats. @@casper8464

[@ScarFo92]

As a romanian,i hope our brothers,with our help,will manage to take the european path. It will be a hard battlr between generations,but Moldova's place was always beside Romania and Europe! Fiti tari fratilor!

[@spirohysa8548]

Good 8 person sis sorry s6 😅

[@mrlover4310]

All Moldova has to do is stay neutral there will be no war Putin is not interested in war. Romania Moldova Will be incorporated into Russia if you don't stay neutral look at Ukraine they most of Europe behind it the US the Canadians the Australians against one country Russia and they haven't even put a dent into Russia's military stay neutral stay safe.

[@ScarFo92]

@@mrlover4310 You are clearly delusional if you think Romania will ever be in Ukraine`s situation lol. Romania is a NATO country. If Romania falls in the hands of russians , the NATO is finished. Try to think before you write, it would be good for you. Than again, you are probably talking about countries, which you don`t even know were they are located on the world map.

[@ovidiumarianbudulean1851]

​@@mrlover4310😅

[@omerfarooq9916]

Why don't finish this war by reassuring Russia and stop unnecessary expansion of NATO. US is enjoying and Europeans are being killed just to comfort their US master's.

[@roznovanvladgeorge]

Multă iubire din Romania către R. Moldova!!! ❤❤❤ Aici oamenii de rând se gândesc la voi și speră sa ne fie mai bine tuturor! Am trecut prin momente și mai grele decat cele de azi (1812, 1848, 1917, 1940)

[@user-fv4kr9qz5z]

на сколько нам известно, то румыны всегда приходили уничтожать молдован, потому что она всегда была с Россией !

[@TheEvgen1981]

Этож сколько тебе лет, что аж 1812 помнишь?

[@AGC2021]

@@TheEvgen1981 the humans invented some things called books, trolsky 😁

[@BansheeBlueRose]

1940? when you invaded Odessa?

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

@@TheEvgen1981 Ew. Communist language.

[@toomuchcaffeine3806]

The president speaks at least three languages: romanian, russian and english. That's impressive.

[@leonniceday6807]

I don't want to take it from Moldova's good president. But it's rather common in Moldova, as most people know Ro and Ru, and besides that they learn a 3rd foreign language in school: English or French.

[@gfan83]

And she denied Moldovian language.

[@burnercolt6647]

​@@gfan83that is not a thing

[@gfan83]

@@burnercolt6647 ?? Sandu is a citizen of Romania and her policy is to put Moldova under control of Romania aslso USA is trying to drag Moldova in war with Russia. And Sandu is preparing Moldova for that. While that war not in interests neither of Russia nor Moldova.

[@AZ-gs7xb]

The president who has her own president (in Romania) How funny is that?

[@lim8581]

The resilience of the people of Moldova in the face of uncertainty and external threats is truly inspiring. This documentary offers a poignant glimpse into their lives and the challenges they confront. Thank you for shedding light on their struggles and their unwavering spirit.

[@MidwesternCracker_2000]

The resilience of the Syrian and Afghan people against American-backed foreign funded puppet state satellite governments is far more revolutionary and inspiring. Taking up arms to defend their lands against the US physically, as well as the cultural imperialism they socially promote on their native customs. As an American from North Dakota, I find that far more fascinating.

[@asadktk4511]

Love from pakistan🇵🇰!! To Moldova.. I like Moldovan people ❤❤❤❤ May the peace prevails!!!!

[@aliancemd]

I appreciate that DW does the occasional interview or documentary on Moldova but every time they speak with regular people(not politicians), they somehow manage to disproportionately interview Russians, even in areas where the Ukrainian minorities are bigger in numbers than Russians, what to say about the rest of the population which are Romanians… Disproportionately concentrating on the Russian minority in Moldova…

[@nikki7065]

For real, that's what I've observed as well. I hope they'll talk more to people that actually do speak Romanian next time they make something related to Moldova

[@erynn9968]

How do you know they are Russians? Do you determine people’s nationality by the language they speak?!

[@aliancemd]

​@@erynn9968 Because after living there for more than 20 years, I can differentiate a Russian from the accent and pronunciation/accentuation of words. If you've lived there even for 1 week, you would know, it's Very obvious. Even the appearance of Ukrainians, Romanians and Russians is different, you can instantly tell after a few years.

[@snicker576]

​@@aliancemd......What's wrong with interviewing Russians? Are they not allowed to exist?

[@patrickmunneke8348]

​@aliancemd Ukrainians and Russians are ethnically the same so how do you tell?🤣😂

[@williewonka2104]

I visited in April and fell in love with the country and people. I think of this lovely place often and hope and pray that they sort themselves out. I am anxious to go back as soon as possible.

[@sorinjasoncnd5560]

You’re always open in Romania and Moldova . We are all one free people

[@leonniceday6807]

Thank you for the fine documentary. Traiasca Moldova in Pace.

[@tonkasergej65]

I wish Moldova and it’s residents nothing But peace and prosperity. God forbid you guys experience What we did… sincearly Bosnian citizen 🇧🇦❤️🇲🇩

[@digitalronin7787]

You should have support the people of donbass Their situation is same as bosnia as well, they wanted to be Independent and leave Ukraine who are killing their people for 8 years prior to Russians helping them bombed Ukraine because Ukraine won't respect the Minsk Accord and does not want peace and hand them their independence Your Nato bombed Serbia for the same reason as well

[@jtothed8575]

@@digitalronin7787Sergej can’t support the donbass, as that would put Bosnian territorial integrity in question, hell.. 75 of the land area has Serbs and Croats on it in Bosnia.. that is a huge chunk ready to join Serbia and Croatia respectively :)

[@tonkasergej65]

@@digitalronin7787you want me to have simpathy with Russians and Serbians While they are the nations that started all their wars… Belgrade should have been turn into dust by NATO for all the crimes against humanity Serbia did

[@ivanjalsic7798]

​@@tonkasergej65које Српске злочине битанго? Највећи злочин геноцида у југоисточној Европи доживео је мој народ од хрватских кољача који су себе звали усташама све у име велике хрватске за време 2 светског рата. Преко 400 година бошњачких и албанских злочина над Српским народом. Нема Српске Цркве коју нису уништили и спалили заједно са турским окупаторима. Зато битанго води рачуна шта пишеш. Ја ти жив преко овога прешао не бих.

[@digitalronin7787]

@@tonkasergej65 war in Ukraine started even before Russians decided to attack Ukraine! Ever heard of war in donbas? Pro Maidan Ukrainians and Anti Maidan Ukrainians from donbass are fighting for 8 years prior to russians helping Donbass!

[@JudyFayLondon]

Sending blessings to those kind people. Hope the world will be peaceful soon.

[@AudieChason]

It breaks my heart to watch this documentary. There is so much wealth in the world. Why can't it be more equally distributed? If we don't support Moldova and Ukraine, eventually Russia will destabilize and control them, creating an even bigger problem. Moldova is another reason we need a Ukrainian victory. Victory in Ukraine will benefit Moldova and help its economy improve.

[@markusmaximus629]

Capitalism has NO PROVISION for wealth distribution, in fact, quit the opposite. Amass all the wealth in a few owners. So forget it.

[@decaesaris5093]

@@markusmaximus629 OK Aliosha. The capitalism is struggling to get rich while the communism is sharing the poverty while emaciating its prople. How many years did you live under communism and where ? I did for decades in Romania. Shoe me a communist country that succeded.

[@goldielocks2621]

It really breaks my heart hearing comments like this, if you would listen to all the facts that caused this War and all other ongoing Wars around this World there is one common factor and it definitely is not Russia. Its obvious you know who is causing the Wars by your statement, "There is so much wealth in the World." and that is it, you hit the nail on the head, that country is not sharing the wealth with the rest of the World but rather taking all and in the process causing death, hatred and hardships. The next time a nations propaganda tells you Russia might use it's Nuclear Weapons remember, the Nation telling you this propaganda has a history of using Nuclear Weapons and especially, against innocent Civilians. The World can't have one Policeman nor will it work because when human nature gets a taste of power they want more. An old friend once told me, " If you experienced War, you would never want to see it again" there are no good sides in a War. Thankfully for now we still have our freedom of speech.

[@goldielocks2621]

@@decaesaris5093 Communism is a great ideal, it's greed of man that stops it working.

[@afonsopedro7636]

That's not happening, Ukraine doesn't have what it takes to fight Russia, plus their situation is not the same because Russia will not invade Moldova

[@richardtempleton8840]

Extremely Interesting Film from Moldova......a melting pot of more potential problems to come. Well done DW for making this documentary and highlighting the current tensions for the people living there. 😉

[@constanzza777]

Read my comment please ...

[@jhgd59]

breaks my heart to see Moldavians suffer , if we could we would have helped Moldova more, but sadly the country is between Russia and Europe stuck for who knows how long :( thank you DW for bringing some information out about the dire situation of Moldova. my thoughts of support and respect from Romania to Moldavians and Maia Sandu

[@andrewcolleen1698]

Why don’t they join nato?

[@elenabistiu]

​​@@andrewcolleen1698small countries who are poor and strategically threatened by mighty superpowers rather opt for neutrality.Moldova has inscribed neutrality in its Constitution, just in order to appease Russia ' s suspicions. in order not to provoke.but still, anything short of being submissive to their grip, angers Russians. Moldova's adherence to the European values and political architecture is already conceived as a threat, of course absolutely illegitimate! Russia is only sowing discord in this region, as in Africa, in order to get domination.a backward state who cannot get off its grip on world power..

[@sebastianconstantin5176]

maia sandu is a puppet, just like zelly

[@DacianRider]

@@sebastianconstantin5176 toxic ruzz bot

[@Maria-EU]

​@@sebastianconstantin5176it's not that simple for countries that border Russia and have important economic ties to it

[@Bulletguy07]

Another excellent documentary from DW and informative as always. Europe needs to take very special care of Moldova and its people - their humanity toward those fleeing Putins war in Ukraine is boundless.

[@waynegore5291]

Take care Ukraine people first. What's the reality now?

[@user-ud8fh7nh4p]

А вы думаете им нужна ваша демократия, смужиками -бабами

[@firstnejm]

During ww2: - Croats forced Jewish and Serbian children to eat bread mixed with glass, in Croatian children concentration camps......

[@davidvelasquez1489]

You mean another great propaganda? 🤡

[@user-ud8fh7nh4p]

@@davidvelasquez1489 нет я в отличии от тебя зомби, умею думать головой. Иди защищать Украину. Посмотрю как ты зимой захочешь кормить нищую Молдавию

[@user-vu5wx6nq7l]

Stay strong Moldova! Greetings from . Stay strong Moldova! Greetings from .

[@jamesplanckaert9046]

My wife is Moldovan, I’m American. We travel back and forth quite often, I consider Moldova my 2nd home and family. First, it is a beautiful country filled with hard-working people, and they may not have much money but they love to dance and share their delicious food at get together’s. We noticed, at the beginning of the war, The country seemed pretty divided, I would say now most of the countries is definitely pro European Union. There is fear of repercussions from the extreme Russian types who are definitely in the country but when you speak to people at restaurants and in general conversation, the reality is, the DW should have shown that huge pro European walked in Chisinau… that was pro European and had over 100,000 people show up their opposition only had a few hundred that show up from Russia and they are paid… We came across many people who had had been paid them selves and simply said I’m still European, but they paid me money so I went out there, and I took their money. It’s a bit crazy. It’s a wonderful place and I hope I can be a part of helping a beautiful, free and wonderful prosperous Moldova! Moldova matters!

[@justthesun]

such a lie

[@noone7692]

Dude this nato is funding too much money into eastern europe

[@dyawr]

Exactly, the doc didn't show any of the upsides & wanted to paint a pretty grim picture. It's what media (in general) often does, unfortunately. I've heard Africans complain about this too.

[@dyawr]

I hope so too, greetings from Romania! ❤

[@raresremetan2001]

A strong message from Romania: dear Moldovan brothers, do not end the fight for democracy. We’re with you in everything. Blood is thicker than water, and one day, sooner or later, if the people of Moldova decide so, we in Romania will be delighted to be reunited with you forever! 🇲🇩🤍🇷🇴🇪🇺

[@johnnyblue4799]

Their democracy looks like the Romanian one... a heap of corruption.

[@caiolima5016]

No

[@bleaubleau7927]

Yes don’t end make more widows and orphans cause that’s the only way

[@diliosspartanetz7588]

Yea like at the end of WWII, so brave.

[@zvonkobogdan9634]

When l hear "fight for democracy" we immediateIy know what it's about. It's ironic at this point

[@TGBC3]

I Love Moldova. This is where I am from.

[@mrozio3321]

Thats why you are in UK? Im Polish and I never left my country in a moment of trouble and poverty. Go back to Moldova and make it big!!!

[@yawdieinusa8175]

Dude said there's no war in Ukraine, only on Facebook.....wow.....blows my mind

[@antoniocarlosoliveira3369]

A Moldava lembra muito bem o nosso Brazil nos finais dos anos cinquenta e início dos anos sessenta.Slava Moldava!!!

[@rmf9567]

I feel bad for what’s going on in Brazil right now

[@grazynakobus9890]

​@@rmf9567To opowiedz o tym, co złego dzieje się w Brazylii? Polska propaganda milczy o Brazylii?

[@antoniocarlosoliveira3369]

Sim..verdade porém o nosso sistema jurídico tá reagindo@@rmf9567

[@antoniocarlosoliveira3369]

A nossa democracia estava em risco devido às intervenções de cunho militar...mais falharam no golpe..para a tomada de poder ..os fatos por se só mostraram a verdade e o atual presidente tá revertendo a situação a favor da plena democracia.

[@alexandrub8786]

I think "glorie" would be better in the case of Moldova considering the Russians there and the anti-romanian tactics there and the other anti-latin/russification policy of the old times.

[@brianspohn5982]

met a truck driver from maldova here in chicago . nice guy . i thought he was polish when i asked if he was he said no maldova in a sad gloomy depressed way . why so sad i wondered . that guy backed a 53 foot semi into the loading dock pitch dark out . very impressive . we got maldovas beat truck drivers over here . all i can say is putin gets stupid on maldovian sovernty , 101st airborne is in romania to smoke check russian troops . we got your back !

[@mitchyoung93]

Dude, we (I'm an American vet) couldn't even beat guys in sandals. By my count over 30 Americans have already learned the hard way what it is to come up against the Russian army. Do not believe the hype.

[@loungekiller]

@@mitchyoung93 please... The myth of the strong Russian army is a fucking joke. They can't deal with a conflict at their borders, the US held successful military operations across the Ocean. Or you're forgetting that the Soviets lost most operations in Afghanistan and other regions? Their strategy is to just throw bodies till they achieve something. Same strategy as in the Soviet Union, in WW2, the Soviet Union having the most casualties by far.

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@mitchyoung93Thanks for sharing the truth.

[@dragoscepraga9103]

@@mitchyoung93 They'll be backed by Romanian forces Mitchy, you forget...

[@dandondera2618]

​@@mitchyoung93you did beat them face to face. US military is quite good. But your politicians and bureaucrats are s*hit. Just like everywhere else.

[@alex.p.b.]

Moldova needs urgently aid from the free world, before being too late. Things like in Niger it can happen in any second, and it's no joke.

[@dyawr]

Moldova received a lot of aid and support since the war began & will continue to do so. *God forbid* something happens to the current govt, which is the best the country has had since independence. ❤

[@shymkiv_art]

My fellow Moldavian people take your land back from Russia, they can’t do anything. With love from Romania ❤

[@shanelondon1907]

This is eye opening events in Moldova. Note the countries that either chose or were forced into Russian influence never were able to improve their economies thus remaining poor to this day. Now, their situation is even more dire. Excellent reporting. SL

[@afonsopedro7636]

Have any country that the US forced into it's influence improve their economy or anything? I don't see any. They're all the same 😢

[@miaujsc1904]

@@afonsopedro7636They are still not under the influence of the free nations! Look Lituania 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@bobbarista]

Haha. Look Latin America under USA. Same crap. It is the corrupt politicians. Russia has nothing to do with it. Oligarchs dominate in all of former USSR

[@michaeldalapo9730]

@@miaujsc1904 Look Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran, etc.

[@Milleniumlance]

​@@afonsopedro7636 Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore

[@teaburg]

Best to stand with a government leader who has never poisoned an opponent.

[@patrickmunneke8348]

Prove it. Stop with the spurious accusations

[@teaburg]

@@patrickmunneke8348 Prove it to yourself, I'm not going to do your homework.

[@patrickmunneke8348]

@teaburg Like I said spurious accusations🤣😂

[@dragoscepraga9103]

@@patrickmunneke8348 Go back to Mungolia! Mungolia is best for you!

[@ciprianpopa1503]

@@patrickmunneke8348 prove what Ivan?

[@terintiaflavius3349]

Some of those people at the protests are completely delusional. The woman who said no civilians are killed and the guy who said there is no war except for on Facebook are complete nutters

[@BrainWavesVillain]

Maia Sandu is truly a formidable leader, a beacon of hope, and a blessing to her nation.

[@12315yh]

Are you kidding me, she is a puppet of US/EU

[@user-je6bh8sb4k]

Lei la iena Americana

[@australiaprisonisland9156]

Any leader that proclaims Crimea belongs to Ukraine needs a reality check.

[@Donk322]

She will make her country great... part of Romania xdd

[@Nata-rp6pf]

🤣🤣🤣

[@karloyu3484]

Thank you, Moldovans!!!. 💙💛👍❤️❤️

[@nintendokings]

If some Moldovans want to join with Russia, give them a one-way ticket to Russia; plenty of room there! 🤷‍♂️ The only reason it’s disputed territory is because Putin likes poking his nose in Europe and stationed 1500 occupying troops there

[@jevgenijs39]

Troops in Moldova was way before a Putin

[@dragoscepraga9103]

@@jevgenijs39 Time for them to return to their ancestral homeland of Mungolia! FAMINE, DARKNESS, EXTREME COLD AND DESPAIR is all you Ruznitskies need and should ever know on this world! it's all too good for you!

[@yogithashetty2587]

Moldovan government n the president stay strong. May you triumph over any difficulties n hardship. The people need economic prosperity the most 🙏the world is with you 👏🏻

[@mrboxheadd748]

SO IF IT WAS PRO-EU PROTESTERS OVERTHROWING THE PRESIDENT IT'S PERFECTLY OK RIGHT?

[@interpretolog]

Вы настолько не понимаете реалий, что аж жалко вас с вашими пожеланиями 😏

[@rivorianest]

​​​​@@interpretologok tell it to the baltic people... And we can debate and you will lose. Moldova and its people can have the same free and good future as we, Estonians. And please do not start with the "oh but look how expensive your bread is now..." You pro-russians have to admit that everything that is of worth is from western countries which in turn means that western countries must be doing something right because no one fu*king wants its goods to be "made in Russia"..

[@ov7419]

We give Maia Sandu for free. Tell me where you from so we can post her to you

[@yogithashetty2587]

Your country needs her more than we do 🙏

[@liambelfast6001]

Thankyou so much DW , love and respect to all Moldova . and to Maia Sandu , an absolute strong , determined and loyal lady . stay loyal and strong . all my love and respect from Northern Ireland .

[@andywinger4197]

I hope that Transnistrian tour guide is ok. He allowed his face to be shown. I think that was a mistake.

[@J20666]

DW has made a lot of high quality programs. Keep going!

[@cydr0ne]

Mistrust and agitation…that’s what I felt when visiting Moldavia this year 😢

[@timeofchallenges]

Why did you felt agitation?

[@RKishmar]

Your spelling is wrong it's Moldova

[@cristibrad6742]

@@RKishmar there are some very old records portraying it as Moldavia, the same as my hair goes up when they still use Rumania yet never the Romanian Principalities :)

[@shakostarsun]

I spent two months in Chisinau last summer it was 10/10 nice. The IA Mania festival was awesome, Old Orhei, the food, the wine everything top notch.

[@user-xt8sm9xc1e]

From a Canadian viewer/It's very fascinating how life is here. Excellent production detailing a 'crisis identity ' as Moldavia strives to forge its own roots in identifying where it all began.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@buniculflorin]

My disappointment is that with only one minute history at the end of World War II, this documentary would have had a lot more meaning while introducing theviewer into the intricate ethnicity of the former USSR republics. I’m a bit disappointed now.

[@user-xt8sm9xc1e]

@buniculflorin0 it's a world wide web of information out there so it it isn't exactly too difficult to trace back the history. As for books, Edvard Radzinzksky's book "The Last Tsar" is an excellent book for racial descriptions as it dates back the history of Russia all the way back to the 'Time of Troubles ' that saw the conclusion to the Rurik Dynasty. There were even Russian Jews in Russia and Blacks who served under the Tzars.

[@user-xt8sm9xc1e]

@DWDocumentary you should also know Aaron Spelling Productions also brought it (Moldovo) into pop culture status with the infamous "Moldavian Massacre " that featured Princess Catherine Oxenberg.

[@AKMCars]

Moldova hace history way before cacanada....please don't be so ignorant, like you are watchung some fascinating rare natural scene, like they are some retards and you a shit genius just spectating from a safe place .

[@KevinTewksbury]

I was recently there. It’s a great country. 🇲🇩 🇺🇸 ❤

[@theroldan8013]

It is a small country TBH

[@laika3916]

The people featured in this report, who live there full-time, beg to differ.

[@itsMe_TheHerpes]

god i hate bots

[@KevinTewksbury]

@@itsMe_TheHerpeswant to buy some bitcoin brah ????

[@KevinTewksbury]

@@laika3916all my friends there wouldn’t leave if you forced them. They love it. Working for technology companies.

[@garethbrown9191]

Great report. Very informative.

[@timkahn2813]

wow dw knows how to do a doc. just the best .thank you.

[@adr76887]

As a Maldovan i thick this video is not enouth to describe how much we are suffering from the aftermath of the war in Pridnistrova aka Transnistria and all 400.000 refugees from ukraine😢😢

[@fasolaru8674]

As you MOLDAVIAN...YOU ARE BOSCHETAR SI JEGURI SOVIETICE

[@grundgesetzart.1463]

kick them out then. 400.000 is an insane number. Do they also drive luxury cars and collect their welfare in these cars, as our "refugees" here in Austria? :D

[@cehaem2]

You shouldn't have attacked Pridnestrovye in the first place.

[@alexlevitchi8120]

Stay strong moldova God bless you

[@hiss9989]

It's so sad that people in europe live in such conditions to this day 😢

[@angloedu5499]

Well done documentary! So much information that’s fact.

[@zmeu_md3831]

I'm from Moldova, studied and working now in Romania , got the citizenship BACK , because my grand grandparents got their romanian citizenship stolen from russians when USSR occupied Basarabia (today Moldova) . It's really weird how DW went mainly to south and eastern side of Moldova villages and asked only russian speakers for interview, i was in many villages and cities in Moldova when i was living there and 99% were speaking romanian , only in some factory made cities (made in USSR) and 2 or 3 big cities like 20-30% of population speaks russian as first language but this video create a impression that most of the people are speaking russian ... Anyway, nice documentary, and next time show some positive sides of Moldova, there is no crisis poverty tho, people are not dying from hunger or some kind of that. You still can make good money in Moldova , well ,not less than Ukraine or even Russia . The situation in villages is harsh tho....

[@al85v]

So true but for DW it’s very usual to portray every single thing about Romania or Romanians in a bad light. Look up all the videos they have about Romania, I haven’t seen anything positive. So I think there’s some kind of twisted interest here that I can’t comprehend.

[@alexandrub8786]

​@@al85vpretty sure the german have a word for "anti-eastern-europan sentiment" qnd by "eastern european" i mean people(with maybe the exception of the east germans,only maybe) that were living on the soviet side of the iron courtaine.

[@Splicing_Darwinist]

​@@alexandrub8786actually we don't have a word for that in Germany.. only some older people may think badly and they are propably a minority in their generation too. As a whole we view the eastern part of germany way worse then the countries east of us :D (exept russia)

[@dyawr]

I agree 🇷🇴🇲🇩

[@dyawr]

​@@al85v It's just a thing that the media does when they clasify a country or group to be in a bad condition, they perpetuate that stereotype forever. I've heard many Africans complain about this. That's why the topic about corruption in Romania is *always* so exaggerated. (although, many Romanians are guilty of reinforcing this trope too)

[@crastinaterpro]

More power and support to the wonderful President Maia Sandu of Moldova in her tireless fight for democracy and freedom for her people. She is an inspiration!

[@user-vy4xx2qp3d]

Woman president 😅🤣😂

[@mrlover4310]

Democracy 😂😂😂 I bet she couldn't even spell it.

[@dragoscepraga9103]

@@mrlover4310 Oh yes she can!

[@mrlover4310]

@@dragoscepraga9103 No she can't

[@johnnyblue4799]

I think she's as corrupt and bought and paid for as most of the eastern EU politicians.

[@ireneassimacopoulos9209]

I did not have a clue. Thank you for enlightening us. Great work

[@andrewwebb2866]

I can't wrap my head around why anyone would be 'pro-russian' in this day and age.

[@RealAlbo4life]

The situation in Moldova between Romanians and Russians sounds exactly the same like in Dardania (Kosova) between Albanians and Serbs. On both of these countries hybrid war is being waged, which according to many political circles, is considered to be the initial stage of the actual war. I send my deepest greetings to the Romanians in Moldova and wish nothing but the best for your people and hopefully the entirety of Moldova unites with Romania soon as well as Dardania (Kosova) unites with Albania 🇦🇱🇽🇰🇲🇩🇷🇴

[@ov7419]

We Moldovans also send warm greetings to Serbs in Kosovo and hope for a quick reunification with our Christian brothers in Serbia ❤

[@KK-eu6ym]

@@ov7419😂😂😂😂😂 very funny yes yes tomorrow before midday

[@iuliafitchevici]

Don't tell lies! We are Moldovans not Romanians!

[@RealAlbo4life]

I smell Russian propaganda about Romanians in Moldova@@iuliafitchevici

[@cristibrad6742]

Because most of the ground work was mostly done by the Soviets to make even more of a mess to never create some semblance of a functional border hoping for never ending friction while the Muscovites loot the resources like in Africa. That was the second half of the 20th century. And people wonder why the first of the Z guys might seem as a better choice since they at least pretended to be civil even tough it was all a huge lie.

[@ionpopescu5415]

I am quite sure that DW could send a DW journalist to speak in Romanian to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. DW can choose a journalist from the German community in Transylvania (I assure DW that they know German, Romanian and English very well, possibly even Hungarian, French)... or they can hire a Romanian journalist settled in Germany who knows German...

[@crackers0413]

It's heartbreaking to see people start stove fires with plastic. It happens a lot

[@Hoosier_Daddy69]

I really like maia sandu you can see she really want what's best for her country, you can see in her eyes she's feeling the pain her country is being put through. Sending prayers/love from britain 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dyawr]

​@@FeverRub Yep

[@iordachenicolaev]

In a country with 80% people speaking Moldavian (a form of Romanian) you only found Russian speaking civilians. Even the ones with Romanian names are speaking Russian. Cernei is a Romanian name. What do you fine people of DW think the Russian authorities will say about the civilians speaking Russian? That they are Russians that need to be saved. Russia forcefully russified Moldova by taking entire populations and sending them to Siberia. They then brought in Russians and FORCED THE RAMAINING POPULATION TO LEARN AND SPEAK RUSSIAN. And then they came in with tanks and stopped them from gaining independence thus forming that cancer that is Transnistria. And now you, a voice of the free world have the brilliant inspiration to interview Russian speaking Moldavians.

[@EurovisionESC]

There's no "moldovian" language. It's romanian

[@mrboxheadd748]

TRANSNISTRIA SITS ON THE OLD RUSSIAN-ROMANIAN BORDERS THE LAND IN TRANSNISTRIA HAS NO HISTORIAL TIES TO ROMANIAN OR MOLDOVAN HISTORY

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@EurovisionESC Exactly.

[@johnnyblue4799]

DW is NOT the voice of the free world. There's no free world.

[@dianaveres9354]

True. At Soroca they speack romanian and at Bălți they speack russian, almost everybody. It's a little strange situation, i hope they understand each others.

[@yaakovavitan8180]

It’s so nice to have such a good people in the world. Thank you so much. How are you doing? God bless you.

[@micahdavidehrich9557]

Outstanding! Thank you

[@mary86095]

Great documentary Thank you DW.well done.Stay strong Moldova❤

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@MrStickySticky_Animations]

May peace return to Europe! ❤️

[@Altysha8]

May be peace in the World!

[@nandotorres4461]

ask it to Biden

[@alhambrabiker1476]

@@nandotorres4461Russians can’t even protest against their Putin or his war without getting arrested. Can you even determine your future without asking Putin?

[@nintendokings]

Simple: if Russians stay in Russia there is peace in Europe 🤷‍♂️

[@coolbreeze9713]

😂😂😂

[@nina19581]

This time the film about Moldova was better, you even interviewed some people that speak romanian, not only russian... progress for DW. But if I were from France or Germany, and would have seen this movie, and it will be the first thing to know about Moldova - the chance to visit it would be around 0 - 3%. It's not THAT worse as you show it here, somehow your films about Moldova are only showing this country as "the poorest of the all poorest countries", like we are all dying from hunger and thirst here..

[@napillnik]

Well, food is the thing that is not the problem, for the vast majority of people. Poverty manifests itself in debts, lack of amenities, etc. But the wealth disparity is very big among regular people. There's the capital, where income is high, rent is high (comparable to towns like Dessau), and business is booming. Then there's everything else - villages have very little infrastructure, almost no jobs, the youth are fleeing either to the capital, or outside of Moldova if they can get a job. Software engineers in Moldova get paid almost the same net amount as in Germany. Trained professionals (in crafts) also net 4 digits in Euros. However non-skilled employees like cashiers, clerks and others, have a very low income. It's true that as a tourist there isn't much to do there, unless you're into wine. There's places in Moldova unlike anywhere else in the world. It's gonna get better, since Russian authorities are gonna get F*cked, and there will be less foreign influence.

[@dragoscepraga9103]

@@napillnik Yes, all of it, dues to the achievements of the "great Ruznitski people and their empire"... would of they let Moldova be part of Romania proper, this wouldn't be the case today... Moldova would of already been a part of the E.U. and N.A.T.O. and wild-savage-barbaric Mongolia like Ruznitski Siberian-Tundra bushwhackers, would of slowly starved to death in their "great-all wonderfully country"!!!

[@TheTanvir39]

Right

[@Frivals]

😂👍👍

[@dyawr]

Yeah, the doc dramatized everything *so* much. 😅 The didn't show the pro-EU rally, which was much bigger in attendace than these anti-gov protests & the general feeling of optimism in Moldova, with most ppl trusting the current leadership and European path forward. Also, that the energy problem has been solved & things are moving forward.

[@ophthojooeileyecirclehisha4917]

thank you so much

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-FINDER2525]

Very insightful and this situation.

[@karlferguson]

Thanks DW for producing such amazing journalism

[@adamky7578]

I think every America should watch this because we forget how good we have it!!

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

Much love to the Moldova 🇲🇩 people ❤ 💙 GOD BLESS YOU AND BE STRONG!!!

[@GHAWBBA]

DW DOCUMENTARIES ARE ALWAYS LEGENDARY

[@mbfibia]

I thought that we are having a tough time coexisting with hungarians in transilvania. But my god, Moldova have to coexist with russians and russian mentality. Love moldovian accent ❤

[@atomicgrasshopper4391]

Romanians and Hungarians coexist just fine. It's the politicians who use dumb nationalistic rhetoric in order to ignite people at each other are to blame. In Moldova it's 10 times as bad.

[@ingrid_mxx]

As a Transylvanian born and raised I feel like I should explain to others that might see this, in Transylvania we still joke about the Hungarians taking our land. It's been going on for ages, we have a toxic relationship with them...a love/hate one 💀👌🏻💯😂😂😂

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@ingrid_mxx Love?

[@ingrid_mxx]

@johnnyblue4799 yes, I'm half romanian half hungarian. I love the hungarian part of my family and a lot of friends of mine are hungarian. The border is just an hour away from my hometown. But the hungarian politicians? I hate all of them 😂😂😂

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@ingrid_mxx We'll have to disagree then. As a 100% Romanian I'll never fully trust Hungarians (at least the separatists), Ukrainians and Russians. But I absolutely agree with Viktor Orban's politics, of protecting the Hungarian heritage and culture and showing the finger to Brussels when they deserve it.

[@Logrowlf]

Man those old people are delusional.

[@miaujsc1904]

I'm so happy to be part of the free world ❤

[@TheCritter024]

At 34:18, you can see Maia Sandu talking to the public (a rural area apparently) about how bad is going to be. In Romania you will never see this because those political muppets don`t give a a shit about it. You see them on tv talking shit about how good Romania has it or about new and bigger taxes. Maia Sandu did for Moldova more than the last 2 presidents did something good for Romania.

[@elenabistiu]

timely information in order to bring to light this country' s struggle, qualities and hopes.🇹🇩🇹🇩

[@Fee.1]

31:40 anyone know that dudes name? What car is it?

[@manuelle844]

Is that video re-uploaded every few weeks?

[@vamptowngirl6922]

Another good video DW! 😄

[@londohome]

DW, why do you speak Russian to the people you take interviews from in Moldova?

[@erynn9968]

Because Russian is widely spoken in Moldova, and the journalists were Russian speakers not Romanian speakers. As simple as that? You wouldn’t blame ones speaking English instead of Greek who came to report about Cyprus.

[@Kodakcompactdisc]

@@erynn9968I think he’s getting that the fact that the russian language is now spat on in almost every country in the world

[@captainvardia9923]

this is a fake documentary ...

[@pauluap87]

@@captainvardia9923 ;))) ok...you can go to sleep now.

[@VLAD-08090]

@@Kodakcompactdisc да ладно многие в мире хотят изучать Русский.а вот от колониального английского избавится.история у него очень сомнительная!!!

[@noble_one101]

beautiful life they have. miss those times

[@user-on6sf8zd5v]

Yes

[@netmendo]

Tiny Moldova has people with strong characters and courage such as Elena Cernei, Anatolie Dicusar , Vova Karmanov, and extraordinary President Maia Sandu. Multumesc, Moldovans for your contribution to the free world European Union has a duty to help you to get economic independence from Russian gas and Putin's gangsters. An excellent DW documentary by Irene Langemann and her team.. DW is one of the best TV operators in Europe alongside BBC 1. Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 🇲🇩

[@Americanhonkee]

Moldova is Ru's..

[@ov7419]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@cehaem2]

Yes, all we need in the EU is another beggar statelet.

[@alexandruraresdatcu]

I find it strange that DW interviews all those "moldovans" that speak russian, it is like going to Berlin and interviewing Syrian refugees about the state of Germany...

[@skoci5159]

I think the reporter was a russian speaker, that's why the Moldovans who knew russian spoke to him in russian. In Moldova russian is a International language from Soviet Era.

[@assertivekarma1909]

In a hundred years, it might well be Deutschanistan.

[@theemperor-wh40k18]

It's more like going to Berlin and interviewing people in English...

[@alexandruraresdatcu]

@@theemperor-wh40k18 Youre not quite there yet, first deport all those pesky germans from berlin and scatter them all over the british empire. Declare that berlin is a british enclave and annex it to GB, then you would be almost where "transnistria" is. Also tell them that the german language is no longer acceptable in berlin if some of them manage to return.

[@Stargazer86m]

Tell me you have never been to Berlin without telling me you have never been to Berlin.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

24:37 - Not really. The area is rather tiny, about 4000km2, with half a million people.

[@a.p1675]

Well if they don't speak Romanian there is a country missing them. They are free to go home. Nobody envited them.

[@jakoflynn2560]

What beautiful folk singing

[@ssesf]

It was nice to see Moldova again. I've been there several times 2000-2014. I had to wait years before I could visit Transdniestr as the border controls were extremely corrupt. When I finally visited, it was straight forward except the paperwork. I miss visiting Ukraine and Moldova.

[@syedmasood71]

D.W : Documentary on MOLDOVA : Quite GOOD . Bravo from PATNA, INDIA .🌹

[@reinhard98]

Hell knows why they still exist as a country, they should have asked for union with Romania 30 years ago, the whole budget country can't even compare to a small town in Romania, Timisoara/Temeswar

[@basavanagowdah5806]

At last maldovan president explained what happened in Ukraine in 2014

[@harryhole5786]

My father was born in Bessarabia (at that time it was Romania also), and I feel with them.

[@cantwellmikey]

Stay strong in your faith and freedom people of Moldova.

[@eddybrevet6816]

Either side cannot understand wt is profoud 2 the other, national identity and liberties against the imagined stability of authoritarianism, not matter how corrupted apparently

[@Crmsnraider]

informative and interesting

[@biglebowski3961]

Looks like a lot of instability. Tough economic conditions are not helping matters. Hopefully, the country figures it out without losing its freedom and sovereignty.

[@interpretolog]

Там нет никакой свободы и тем более суверенитета. Как можно не понимать этого? 😂

[@alicegrey4002]

​@@interpretologcome visit us, ill give you a tour

[@ivanmihailov252]

русский бот@@interpretolog

[@truesimplicity]

Dissemination of accurate information is paramount...