“Green fellows” in Moldova? Expert: the purpose is different than in Ukraine … – Gazeta.pl

Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe, General. Philip Breedlove said yesterday that there are indications that Russia is used in Moldova elements of war strategy hybrid. He recalled that through such activities Moscow managed to break the Crimea from Ukraine.

What are the “green men”?

– The threat exists. A week ago, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova reported, citing the Moldovan special services that in their country discovered the so-called activity. green men. Detained two men who took part in the training of sabotage. They learned, among others, about street fighting and the use of weapons. Perhaps this knowledge were used during the elections that are to take place in November – said Anita Sobiak of the Polish Institute of International Affairs in TOK FM.

– Green fellows have not only destabilize the situation, but their mission is to recruit local residents, especially young people. Up to 500 people can be involved in these training – said Sobiak.

It is easy to be for Russia

She emphasized that Moldova is a small country that is prone to destabilizing the situation in it. – It is estimated that approximately 800 thousand. people are working outside the country. Half of EU countries, the second in Russia. Coincidence that some years are carried out activities that are aimed at limiting their access to the labor market. If they return to their homeland with no chance of finding a job, their attitude will become pro-Russian – commented Sobiak.

Transnistria fondly looks at Russia

Moldova has so far unresolved pro-Russian conflict in Transnistria. It is an autonomous region that practically broke away from the country in the 90s and is controlled by Russia. Moldova is concerned that may have such problems with the Russian minority, which is now Ukraine, where in the east of the country comes to regular fighting between government forces and pro-Russian separatists.

Moldova is not as Ukraine

– The threat of separatism exists not only in Transnistria, not only in Gagauzia [in the south of Moldova - ed.], but also in the north of Moldova, where majority of the population is pro-Russian political view – said expert Institute. – These regions are pro-Russian and anti-European – she added.

What does Russia want from Moldova and Transnistria? – You have to be careful as to the analogy of Ukraine. In Ukraine Russia wants to gain as much territory and create such. Corridor land to the Crimea. And in the case of Moldova’s main concern is to regain political influence – she Sobiak. – Russians want to reintegrate Transnistria in Moldova squad. This could prevent Moldova’s integration with the West – expert commented. In her view, much depends on the outcome of the election in November. If the power again will be very pro-European government, it may lead to the use of military means.

"Green fellows" in Moldova? Expert: the purpose is different than in Ukraine … – Gazeta.pl