Russia and Eastern Europe

Earlier this week NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg criticised Russia for violating the territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine and said NATO was responding by building up its own deterrence posture whilst continuing to seek dialogue with Russia.

Speaking at a CSTO summit the Russian President acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Armenian leader and told other CSTO leaders "our task is now to support both the Prime Minister himself and his team"

For three decades Russia has pretended that its military base on the Moldovan territory of Transnistria was a "peacekeeping force", despite several attempts by the Moldovan government to end its mandate, and accusations that it promoted separatism.

Maya Sandu also spoke in favor of replacing the Russian troops in Transnistria with a civilian observer mission under the auspices of the OSCE.

Navalny told the European Parliament “The basis of a new approach should be very clear dividing two things: Russian people, who must be welcomed and treated very warmly from European Union from my perspective; and Russian state, which must be treated like a bunch of criminals.”

“Operating in the Black Sea signifies our commitment to partners and allies in the region,” said Cmdr. Kelley Jones, commanding officer of Donald Cook. 

Celebrations broke out overnight in front of opposition headquarters in the centre of the capital Chisinau, with supporters chanting: "President Maia Sandu" and "a country for young people".

Elements from the two thousand strong peacekeeping force entered the territory after their deployment on Tuesday as part of an agreement reached between Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan to end the six week Karabakh war.