This Issue Brief examines the possible consequences of Russia’s annexation of Crimea on
Moldova and its national minorities. It further reflects on the factors that hinder
greater integration of persons belonging to minorities, and the expression of minority
identity in Moldova/Transnistria. The Issue Brief argues there are two indirect
consequences of the annexation Crimea by Russia. First, the annexation deepens the
polarization between the pro-Russia and pro-EU camps in Moldova, which manifests
itself in multiple ruptures within Moldovan society. Second, such a polarization f urthers
a tendency to marginalize (non-Russian) minorities, which implies a reduction of the
spaces for the articulation of minority concerns and the expression of minority identity.