HARDtalk is on the road in Moldova, a long-neglected corner of Europe now caught up in a trial of strength between Russia and the European Union. Up until 1990 the people of Moldova were citizens of the Soviet Union, these days the Moldovan government vigorously pursues membership of the European Union. However, just as in neighbouring Ukraine, all the elements are in place for a strategic standoff which could turn ugly. Stephen Sackur explores the situation.