A Russian leader on Wednesday reacted sharply to the banning of a pro-Russia war symbol in the former Soviet republic of Moldova.
Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov threatened President Maia Sandu that her country could end up in the „dustbin of history.”
The rebuke came after she signed into law a bill banning the ribbon of St. George and as the signs „Z” and „V” used by Russian armed forces to mark their vehicles and equipment during Moscow’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
„She should be more careful about Russia and its symbols, all the more since Chisinau cannot pay for Russian gas,” Senator Pushkov wrote on his Telegram channel.
The cross is a black and orange military symbol of Russian patriotism and aggression against Ukraine, as well.
Moldova, located between Ukraine and Romania, is seeking EU membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moldova has given Ukraine humanitarian, but not military aid. It has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon criticized the president, accusing her of what he called „fighting symbols instead of poverty.”
The former leader who has close relations with Moscow said he would organize a Victory March in Chisinau on May 9.
The day has been marked in Russia and other former Soviet republics but has become a tool of the Russian propaganda to justify its illegal annexation of Crimea and its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Moldovan Premier Natalia Gavriliţa rules out military aid to Ukraine
