Moldova names Russia as top threat in new national defense strategy

Radio Europa Liberă Moldova reported the information.

"The strategy is aimed at achieving national interests in guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova," said the country's Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, who presented the draft to the deputies.

The strategy identifies the "possible expansion" of Russian military actions in Ukraine, "particularly in the Odesa region," and "the establishment of a land military corridor to Moldova's borders" as the main security risk for Moldova. This would create preconditions for direct "aggressive actions" against Moldova.

Moldova's security is also threatened by "hybrid operations" conducted by Russia directly or through local agents.

Another threat is the presence of Russian military forces "illegally stationed on Moldovan territory," as well as the armed formations of the so-called authorities in Tiraspol. The document states that a final resolution of the Transnistrian issue is "unlikely in the coming years," and Moldova seeks to resolve it exclusively through peaceful means.

The strategy notes that at the global level, "major international actors" are involved in a confrontation that is changing the balance of power worldwide, and Moldova must choose its "strategic positioning," i.e., which side it aligns with.

The document states that for the Republic of Moldova, NATO "is a central stabilizing pillar in ensuring security and stability in the region."

At the same time, obtaining candidate status for European Union membership, cooperating with European countries in the field of defense, and strengthening relations with NATO would be an "advanced step in ensuring security and resilience" for Moldova.

Regarding Romania, a member of both the EU and NATO, the strategy describes it as an "important partner," with defense relations developing, while "intensive dialogue with Ukraine" is deemed "vital."

The strategy envisions a gradual increase in budget allocations for national defense, aiming to reach 1% of GDP by 2030, up from the current 0.55%.

Among NATO member states, the target is 2% of GDP, though the press writes that the future Donald Trump administration may push for it to be raised to 5%.

The draft was voted on in the first reading by MPs at the last plenary session of 2024, on December 26.

• During Russia's Christmas massive attack on Ukraine, the Moldovan military recorded one of the missiles flying over their country's territory. In contrast, the Romanian Defense Ministry said that no violation of their country's airspace was detected.