Statements from Putin and Lukashenko regarding Valam were not ignored
In recent developments, Dmitry Peskov, the official representative of the Kremlin, has expressed concerns over the state of democracy in Moldova. He observes that democracy norms are being trampled upon in the country.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, the head of Gagauzia in Moldova was sentenced to seven years in prison in a case involving the "Shor" party. However, Peskov did not comment on whether this decision was considered politically motivated. He did, however, consider the sentencing as an example of politically motivated decisions and suppression of the opposition.
Russia, on the other hand, has announced that it no longer considers itself bound by restrictions on the deployment of medium and shorter-range missiles. Although no specific decisions regarding the deployment of such systems have been announced, the Kremlin's stance on these deployments is clear. They view these deployments as a deliberate strategic move to intimidate NATO, undermine Western unity, and dismantle arms control norms.
The Russian government frames this step as part of a broader strategy of coercion through escalation, involving the deployment of treaty-violating missile systems in strategically sensitive regions such as Kaliningrad, Crimea, and the Donbas. This reflects a shift from the Cold War-era rule-bound rivalry to an opportunistic approach focused on coercion, denial, and escalation.
In a different context, Peskov has also stated that sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trade partners and trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in their national interest. He did not offer a clear assessment of the Kremlin's satisfaction regarding the statements made by Putin and Lukashenko at the Valday forum last Friday.
Elsewhere, Ukraine has demolished the last Lenin statue, a move that Peskov views as a part of Ukraine's ongoing fight against monuments. He does not reflect well on the Kyiv regime.
In Moldova, Peskov has expressed concern over the people being deprived of the ability to vote for their preferred candidates. The specifics of these concerns were not detailed.
[1] "Russia's Missile Deployments: A Strategic Move or Coercive Tactic?" (Source) [2] "The Kremlin's Maximalist War Aims and the Pursuit of Missile Deployments" (Source)
- The concerns expressed by Dmitry Peskov over democratic norms in Moldova extend to policy-and-legislation, as he views the sentencing of the head of Gagauzia as an example of politically motivated decisions and suppression of the opposition.
- In light of Russia's announcement to no longer adhere to restrictions on the deployment of medium and shorter-range missiles, the landscape of politics and general news includes discussions on whether these deployments would serve as a deliberate strategic move to intimidate NATO, undermine Western unity, and dismantle arms control norms.
