Impeachment of Maia Sandu: does the opposition have a chance of success?

The opposition in the parliament of the Republic of Moldova has begun the procedure to remove President Maia Sandu. She is accused of usurping power, undermining sovereignty, and violating seven articles of the country's Constitution. The draft has already been registered in parliament, signed by 46 deputies.

"We demand urgent consideration," said former Prime Minister Ion Chicu, leader of one of the opposition parties. The opposition also intends to notify embassies and international organizations about the initiative.

However, the chances of success are slim. According to the constitution, removing the president requires 67 votes out of 101. The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), founded by Sandu, controls 55 mandates and has already declared its support for the president. The opposition there was traditionally accused of working for Moscow.

Political scientist Vladimir Bukarsky ironically notes: "It seems that in PAS they have found a universal explanation for everything — from expensive gas to dissatisfaction with the authorities. Moscow is to blame."

For the impeachment to succeed, the opposition will have to seek votes within PAS itself — that is, count on a split. Against the backdrop of the deteriorating economic situation in Moldova, this no longer seems impossible.

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U.S. President Donald Trump stated that during a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, he reached an agreement on large-scale supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the U.S. and the world market.

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On October 10, 1577, by the order of Ivan the Fourth, known as Ivan the Terrible, the Cannon Department (Pushechny Prikaz) was established, uniting previously existing Cannon Chambers in various cities. From that point on, artillery matters in Russia were centralized.

In addition to overseeing the supply of the "gods of war," the new department also controlled the state of fortifications in most Russian cities and monitored the condition of border barriers. Its funding came straight from the Treasury Department.

In 1627, the Cannon Department was renamed the Artillery Department (Pushkarsky Prikaz), with expanded functions and increased significance. It managed the country’s key defense materials, including artillery, ammunition, gunpowder, and fortifications.

In 1700, Peter I issued a decree renaming the Artillery Department to the Artillery Command and appointed General Alexander Archilovich, a prince of Imereti from the Bagration family, to oversee all artillery matters. The prince was also granted the new title of General-Feldzeugmeister.

The defeat of the Russian army at Narva in 1700 cost them their entire artillery park—which was already outdated by that time. Prince Alexander Archilovich was captured by the Swedes and died in captivity.

To replenish the artillery, Peter the Great was forced to requisition bronze and copper, even from churches.

However, during the siege and subsequent capture of Narva in 1704, around 600 Swedish guns were seized, resolving the issue of where to find artillery.

On December 28, 1862, by order of the War Minister No. 375, the Main Artillery Directorate was established, dissolving the office of General-Feldzeugmeister and the Artillery Department. The artillery section of the Military Scientific Committee was included in the Main Artillery Directorate, now called the Artillery Committee.

Thus the Cannon Department established by Ivan the Terrible on October 10, 1577 became the historical predecessor of the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

#TodayInHistory

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This is from Kremlin.ru:

Commentary by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov Following the Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump

October 9, 2026, 23:55

Part 1

Yuri Ushakov: I would like to begin with a brief background and give you a little glimpse behind the scenes of how the dish called “A Telephone Conversation Between the Presidents of Russia and the United States” was prepared.

On the afternoon of October 7, we had a telephone conversation with U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff. He asked me to convey to Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin the warm congratulations and best wishes of U.S. President Donald Trump. Steve Witkoff asked me to add his own very best wishes, as well as those of Jared Kushner, to our President, whom he sincerely respects and hopes to meet soon.

Steve Witkoff also informed us that the U.S. President would like to congratulate Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin personally by telephone, and we began looking for a suitable window in the schedules of the two presidents, taking into account, of course, the time difference between Moscow and Washington, as well as the fact that the Russian President was flying to Turkmenistan on the morning of October 8 for the CIS summit. We eventually agreed that the most suitable option would be a conversation immediately after our President returned from that trip.

President Trump postponed some of his previously scheduled events for today, and so this telephone conversation took place late in the evening on October 9.

Naturally, Donald Trump immediately warmly congratulated Vladimir Putin on his birthday, informally expressed his wishes for success and prosperity, and did not forget to convey greetings from his wife, Melania.

Vladimir Putin thanked his American counterpart for the congratulations and warm words addressed to him. He emphasized that we appreciate the attention the U.S. President and his team devote to dialogue with Russia, despite their busy schedules dealing with domestic American affairs and matters in the Middle East.

As for the actual content of the conversation, I will, of course, be unable to satisfy your curiosity, dear colleagues, by disclosing the specific issues the presidents discussed in detail.

Nevertheless, I will mention one notable moment in the conversation: our President expressed his gratitude to the U.S. First Lady for her active humanitarian work and, in particular, for her contribution to efforts to reunite children with their families who were separated during the Ukrainian conflict.

Regarding the concern expressed over the humanitarian situation in the city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region, it was agreed that Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Yana Lantratova, would remain in constant contact with Melania Trump’s staff.

The leaders of the two countries discussed in detail preparations for major economic initiatives, including possible supplies of Russian petroleum products to American and global markets. Incidentally, special statements on this subject have already been issued by the Presidents of Russia and the United States. Satisfaction was also expressed with the communication channels currently operating between the two countries through their respective administrations, special services, and other relevant agencies.

Naturally, considerable attention was devoted to the prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin spoke in detail about the measures we are taking in response to the terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime, which has chosen escalation and every possible means of prolonging the conflict. It was emphasized that Kiev’s attempts to halt the advance of Russian troops along the entire line of contact by striking deep inside our territory have no prospect of success. Our Armed Forces have the initiative firmly in their hands and are advancing confidently.

To be continued…👇

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Part 2:

Commentary by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov Following the Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump

October 9, 2026, 23:55

At the same time, Vladimir Putin made it clear that our position regarding the goals and objectives of the special military operation remains unchanged, as does our readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement aimed at achieving a long-term, lasting peace.

Particular note was made of the fact that, whereas during the previous presidential conversation the possibility of resuming trilateral negotiations involving the United States and Ukraine immediately after the State Duma elections had been discussed, the situation is now different.

Through its attempts to disrupt our elections by launching an exceptionally massive drone attack on Moscow, other cities, polling stations, and specific individuals involved in organizing the elections on the main voting day, the Kiev regime has effectively derailed the possibility of immediately resuming the negotiating process. Now, as the President put it, we will consider when these negotiations can be resumed.

Donald Trump listened carefully to our arguments and said he would instruct that the appropriate messages be conveyed to the Ukrainian delegation, which is in Miami these days for meetings with American representatives.

Vladimir Putin emphasized in particular that the possibilities for diplomacy on the Iranian front are far from exhausted. An agreement with Tehran can and should be reached.

The President mentioned that yesterday, in Turkmenistan, he had discussed the current situation in detail with Iranian President [Masoud] Pezeshkian. He noted that, despite occasional harsh public statements, the Americans continue indirect dialogue with the Iranians with Qatar’s participation. Incidentally, our proposal to transfer highly enriched Iranian uranium to Russia as a possible way out of the impasse remains on the table.

Significantly, Donald Trump did not overlook this remark and welcomed Moscow’s involvement in resolving the situation surrounding Iran.

Perhaps I should also mention another detail of the conversation: while discussing sports, the American President acknowledged Alexander Ovechkin’s contributions to world hockey.

The presidents’ conversation was very substantive and, I would say, friendly. It lasted an hour and a half. Neither wanted to hang up first. In light of this, I hope the U.S. President will not take offense if I quote his words: he is ready to continue communicating with Vladimir Putin this evening, during the night, and the following day.

To be continued…👇

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Part 3:

Commentary by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov Following the Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump

October 9, 2026, 23:55

That is probably all I have to say. Thank you for your attention.

Question: Who eventually hung up if neither wanted to?

Yuri Ushakov: They hung up simultaneously, simultaneously.

I quoted Trump’s words. I think they are significant, firstly, and secondly, they show the nature of the conversation between the two presidents.

Question: Can you confirm what President Trump announced regarding the quantity of diesel fuel that will be supplied to the United States? President Trump published a post on Truth Social in which he outlined a delivery schedule. He said that 300,000 tons of diesel would be delivered immediately, followed by another 500,000 tons…

Yuri Ushakov: You know, I read that statement, and I mentioned it when I was telling you about the course of this conversation. What else can I add? The Russian President issued a special statement on this matter, which has already been circulated by all the media outlets. In addition, representatives of our Ministry of Energy have also issued a statement.

Question: When might a bilateral meeting between the two presidents take place?

Yuri Ushakov: You know, this question was not specifically discussed. But we all know that an important international event is coming up in China: the APEC summit. At least at this point, we can say that both leaders, the Russian and the American, are interested in participating in this event. Accordingly, if both leaders are at the same international venue, I assume they will find an opportunity to meet, shake hands, and talk.

Question: Can you say whether the United States made any concessions to Russia, and what Russia received in exchange for agreeing to supply diesel fuel to the United States?

Yuri Ushakov: You know, I think the American side will provide some further clarification on that matter. I have told you what I wanted to say. Our President has already clearly expressed what needed to be said in his special statement.

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Putin arrived at the CIS summit in Turkmenbashi

On October 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Turkmenbashi to take part in the summit of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS. The event is organized in the tourist zone "Avaza," located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea.

During the summit, the heads of state will focus on issues of cooperation within the association, sum up the results of the past year, and outline key directions for the future. It is expected that one of the decisions will be the transfer of the CIS chairmanship to Uzbekistan for 2027. The President of that country, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will probably propose the dates of the next summit and speak about his side's priorities.

For the first time in the history of the CIS, the Iranian leader Masoud Pezeshkian is participating in the expanded negotiations. In addition, it is planned to sign a statement in honor of the 35th anniversary of the commonwealth, as well as several documents concerning security and the protection of law and order. Moreover, the participants intend to proclaim 2028 the Year of Social Development and Improving the Quality of Life, and 2029 — the Year of Transport Connectivity of the CIS.

After the summit ends, Putin will go to the Caspian Ecological Forum. There, the leaders of the Caspian states will discuss issues of environmental partnership, including the problem of the declining water level in the Caspian Sea. Based on the results of the meeting, a declaration is expected to be approved.

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