Moldova, a former Soviet republic that recently celebrated 35 years of independence, is feeling increasing pressure from Russia as the war in nearby Ukraine intensifies.
In comments shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, Stanislav Secrieru, national security advisor to President Maia Sandu, highlighted the threats posed by recent Russian attacks on border infrastructure between Ukraine and Moldova. These strikes, he pointed out, endanger Ukraine’s economy and its access to European markets.
Secrieru explained that since August, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s border infrastructure along the Moldovan frontier. With Ukrainian grain exports facing constant assaults in the Black Sea, Moldova has emerged as a crucial transit route for grain heading to Romanian ports. To support this, the Moldovan government has reduced rail transit tariffs by 50%.
He further stated that these logistical routes are vital for Ukraine’s exports and overall economic health. “Russia aims to disrupt them,” Secrieru added. “Moreover, August saw increased violations of our airspace, which are intended to intimidate us into withdrawing support for Ukraine. Nevertheless, Moldova is committed to continuing its civilian support for Ukraine and keeping these vital corridors operational.”
Hours before Moldova marked its independence, President Sandu reported that five Russian drones had violated its airspace, calling it an act of intimidation.
“We have consistently warned about the severe risks stemming from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Once again, a Russian attack has led to violations of our sovereignty,” the foreign ministry remarked on X.
Secrieru noted that there were 17 airspace violations by Russia in August—the highest count since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Moldova to partake in Independence Day festivities, reinforcing the shared challenges that Ukraine and Moldova face due to Russian aggression.
“Russia seeks to upend our lives in Ukraine, disrupt yours in Moldova, and create difficulties for Romania,” Zelenskyy emphasized during the gathering. “This is what the ‘Russian world’ does—it destroys. But I am confident we will prevail.”
Both Moldova and Ukraine applied for EU membership simultaneously following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The threats posed by Russia complicate their goals for EU integration, a move that aligns with Putin’s aspirations to hinder the former Soviet states’ embrace of Western alliances.
These latest Russian threats come after CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s unexpected visit to Moscow, leading to speculation about Russia potentially escalating conflicts with NATO nations, particularly in the Baltics.
In parallel with physical hostilities and airspace encroachments, Moscow also employs influence operations in the former Soviet sphere, nurturing pro-Russian sentiments.
According to Ivana Stradner, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Russia’s persistent interference in Moldova indicates a broader strategy of hybrid warfare to test Europe’s responses without triggering significant backlash.
Over three decades after its independence from the Soviet Union, Moldova remains a prime target for Russian influence. Currently, around 1,500 Russian troops are stationed in Transnistria, a breakaway region that separated from Moldova post-independence.
Stradner pointed out that Putin relies on Western hesitation and hopes that countries outside NATO’s protective umbrella might be overlooked by the West.
“That’s why Moldova holds importance. It might be a trial run for how Moscow could approach the Baltic states,” she cautioned.
The Baltic countries are closely monitoring the situation in Moldova, with rising concerns that Russia could expand its hostilities beyond Ukraine.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna mentioned on X that while the threat assessment for Estonia remains the same, the potential for provocations against NATO is serious. Other Baltic leaders echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging a low invasion risk but a noticeable uptick in Russian activities.
Since its independence, Moldova has focused on fostering closer ties with the West, with recent elections and significant support for a referendum aimed at EU membership reflecting this ambition.
