Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Peskov warned Moldova of a new military threat, citing its 2025‑2035 strategy that labels Russia a danger, and blamed Ukraine for a similar mistake.
Peskov on Moldova’s New Military Strategy
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Peskov criticized Moldova’s decision to adopt a new military strategy that names Russia a threat. He said it continues a confrontational, hostile stance towards Russia and that Moldovan officials are making a serious mistake.
He added that Chișinău presents Russia as an adversary in the name of building ties with Europe, signalling a pattern already seen in Ukraine. Peskov underscored that Moscow has often claimed victim status and used the concept of “Russophobia” as propaganda to advance political goals and justify international criticism.
Why Moldova Labels Russia a Danger
The 8 October 2023 Cabinet meeting approved a Military Strategy for 2025‑2035, stating the Russian invasion of Ukraine poses “serious security threats.” The analysis notes Ukraine’s war has infringed Moldova’s air sovereignty and that continued combat operations could expose infrastructure and civilians to targeted air attacks.
Expansion of territories occupied by the Russian Federation also presents a direct threat to Moldova’s sovereignty, while the presence of Russian forces in Transnistria is cited as another security concern.
Moldovan Parliamentary Elections
In late September, Moldova held parliamentary elections that favored the pro‑European Action and Solidarity Party over the pro‑Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc. The Centre for Eastern Studies reports Moscow attempted to influence the results, allocating up to €300 million to digital campaigns targeting the party’s leader, Maia Sandu, accusing her of sabotaging relations with Russia.
Political Context and Moscow’s Influence
The Russian Embassy’s campaign highlighted claims that Maia Sandu would pull Moldova into conflict, framing her as a threat to national stability. The Centre for Eastern Studies notes such narratives are part of a broader strategy to sway public opinion and justify Moscow’s actions abroad.
