Moldova’s semi-autonomous Gagauzia region this week confirmed the election of a pro-Russia leader who supports closer ties with Moscow.
“We want further friendship with the Russian Federation and friendship with other countries,” Evghenia Gutul told reporters after being elected as the region’s “bashkan” (leader) on May 14.
But unlike Gutul and her pro-Russian Sor Party, the central government in Chisinau (Moldova’s capital) is virulently opposed to cooperation with Russia. 
Under President Maia Sandu, Moldova has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, halted the import of Russian natural gas, and accused Moscow of meddling in the country’s domestic affairs….