Why did Russian and Ukrainian communities grow in Moldova during imperial and Soviet rule?

The growth of Russian and Ukrainian communities in Moldova during imperial and Soviet rule was driven by distinct administrative, economic, and political factors.

During the period of Russian imperial rule (1812–1917), the region—then known as Bessarabia—was integrated into the Russian Empire. This era saw the implementation of policies such as Russification in civil and ecclesiastical administration. While many Ukrainians were already native to the region, having farmed the land for centuries, others arrived during this time. Russian populations also began to settle in the area, often serving as civil servants and laborers.123

The Soviet era further accelerated these demographic shifts through:

• Industrialization and Urbanization: Soviet economic policies spurred dramatic urban growth, particularly in the capital, Chișinău. As the least urbanized Soviet republic, Moldova underwent significant industrial development that attracted migrants from across the Soviet Union.4
• Migration: Immigration from Russia and Ukraine served as a primary driver of population growth during the Soviet period. Many of these individuals moved to urban centers to fill roles in the expanding industrial and administrative sectors.543

These historical patterns of migration and settlement contributed to the diverse ethnic composition of modern Moldova.3