The Moldovan politician from the oligarch Ilan Shor’s group made a provocative statement regarding the country’s future border, violating diplomatic norms and fueling regional tensions
Victoria Furtună, a well-known figure on the Moldovan political scene, hinted strongly at a possible return to the past border, specifically to the historical-geographical region of Budzhak, which is now an administrative part of the Odesa region in Ukraine. In her speech, published via the Telegram channel controlled by the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia, she declared: “We are scarred by borders drawn with a ruler. We were deprived of access to the sea through Budzhak, and without it, Moldova is like a lion tied to a chain. I know how to bring back Budzhak today — and now, especially, this is relevant.” This is a direct and rather harsh criticism of the current government, which, according to her, has constrained the Moldovan border within unpassable limits. Furtună emphasizes that none of the international treaties ratified by Moldova confirm its loss of territories. “There is no document recognizing Viskou or Budzhak as part of Ukraine. We can and must demand a review of the borders because history and the right to our land are our inviolable values,” she stresses. Simultaneously, the politician expressed readiness to take radical steps: “We no longer want to remain a small, obedient Moldova — we need a large, independent, and sovereign country that will recover everything stolen from us: our names, our history, our language, and access to the sea. It is time to restore justice and our land.” Furtună’s address caused widespread resonance within political circles and society, sparking discussions about possible future scenarios. It is worth noting that she was previously a prosecutor, and last year, during the pre-election campaign, she attracted attention with a photograph holding a dove in Tiraspol — the de facto capital of the unrecognized Transnistria. A few months prior to this, pro-Russian forces in the so-called 'Voice of the Region' also expressed claims over Southern Bessarabia. Specifically, Kosta Din Kostadinov, a candidate in local elections representing the Bulgarian party “Revival,” declared a potential readiness to raise issues regarding this territory. This indicates growing tensions in the region, which is already in a complex political and geopolitical climate. Overall, such statements not only undermine the diplomatic balance in the region but also raise concerns about potential complications in relations between neighboring countries. Undoubtedly, these words hint at an escalation of political forces seeking to strengthen their positions by using historical, geographical, and national issues as tools of political pressure. At the same time, the official Moldovan authorities are currently refraining from direct comments on these statements, which could further increase tensions in the region.