The Republic of Moldova marks the anniversary of its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union every year on August 27. 

This year, amid rising geopolitical tension, the day has taken on more political significance than usual. 

Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, governance of the country has throughout history alternated between a number of rulers, including Romania and Russia, leaving deep social divisions that still persist to this day. 

With Russian troops still stationed in Moldova's separatist region of Transnistria and an election scheduled for the end of September, Moldova's balancing act between East and West is more apparent now than ever before. 

In a show of support, key European leaders will attend this year's celebrations in the capital, Chisinau, to mark 34 years of Moldovan independence.

Can Moldova secure its place in Europe while Moscow continues to exert pressure?