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Moldova Church Dispute Escalates, Raising Geopolitical Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 19:52 GMT by U.S. News & World Report
      Locales:

CHISINAU, Moldova - February 12, 2026 - A dispute over a church building in the Moldovan village of Palanca is rapidly escalating, pitting the Moldovan government against a group of Ukrainian religious devotees and raising concerns about broader geopolitical tensions in the region. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has stated unequivocally that the law must be upheld, but the situation remains volatile as Ukrainian followers of exiled Metropolitan Antoniy continue to occupy the church, refusing to yield to Moldovan authorities.

The origins of the conflict trace back to internal divisions within the Orthodox Church in Moldova and the subsequent ousting of Metropolitan Antoniy. While details surrounding his removal are complex and contested, the core issue revolves around allegations of pro-Russian sympathies and influence. Antoniy, a controversial figure, had been a leading voice within the Moldovan Orthodox Church for years, but increasingly found himself at odds with those advocating for greater independence from the Moscow Patriarchate. His eventual removal sparked outrage among his supporters, many of whom hail from Ukrainian communities within Moldova and across the border in Ukraine.

Last month, as Moldovan authorities attempted to enforce a court order granting full control of the Palanca church to the Moldovan Orthodox Church, Antoniy's followers proactively occupied the building. This pre-emptive action transformed a legal dispute into a physical standoff. The group, primarily comprised of Ukrainian citizens, views the church as a vital spiritual and cultural center, particularly for the Ukrainian diaspora in the region. They maintain that the attempts to remove Antoniy and seize the church are politically motivated and represent an attempt to suppress their religious freedoms.

Prime Minister Recean, speaking earlier today, emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law. "The government's position is clear: we must uphold the legal framework in place," he stated. "While we respect the right to religious expression, this cannot come at the expense of national laws and established legal procedures." Recean also stressed the need to avoid escalation and called for dialogue, but negotiations have so far yielded little progress.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe. Moldova, bordering Ukraine, has been deeply affected by the conflict and has expressed strong support for Kyiv. Concerns are growing that Russia could exploit the dispute to further destabilize Moldova, a nation already grappling with internal political challenges and economic vulnerabilities. Some analysts suggest that Russian actors may be subtly fueling the conflict by providing support to Antoniy's followers, aiming to create a distraction and undermine Moldovan sovereignty.

Experts in religious affairs point to the wider trend of tensions between the Orthodox Churches aligned with Moscow and those seeking greater autonomy. The war in Ukraine has dramatically intensified this struggle, with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church declaring its independence from the Moscow Patriarchate, a move that has been met with strong resistance from Russia and its allies. The Palanca dispute, therefore, is seen as a microcosm of this larger battle for religious and national identity.

Local residents in Palanca are divided, with some sympathizing with the Ukrainian devotees and others backing the Moldovan authorities. The influx of Ukrainian supporters has placed a strain on local resources, and there are concerns about the potential for violence. Civil society groups are calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for compromise and understanding.

The Moldovan government is now facing a difficult balancing act: enforcing the law while also avoiding a confrontation that could further escalate tensions and potentially draw in external actors. Several options are being considered, including continued negotiations, a limited police operation to peacefully remove the protesters, or seeking mediation from international organizations. However, each approach carries significant risks. A forceful eviction could spark violence and inflame anti-Moldovan sentiment in Ukraine, while prolonged negotiations could be seen as a sign of weakness and embolden those challenging the government's authority. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be found.