The Republic of Moldova is not facing an imminent military risk but a “hybrid war” launched by Russia to oust the pro-European administration in Chisinau, says Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatyi.
Image Article Minister: Moldova faces not imminent military risk, but a Russian “hybrid war
“At the moment, there is no imminent military threat to the Republic of Moldova, but there are other types of risks that affect security,” Anatolie Nosatyi said in an interview with Agence France-Presse, quoted by the daily Le Figaro.
The Moldovan Defence Minister mentioned “disinformation”, “tensions in society generated by Russia”, and “a series of provocations” designed to generate chaos and change the “political order”.
Authorities in Chisinau have just announced the arrest of network members suspected of being directed by Moscow to destabilise actions in the context of ongoing anti-government protests in Moldova.
Anatoly Nosatyi again called for demilitarising the separatist Moldovan region of Transnistria, run by a pro-Russian administration. “We have not ceased to demand the unconditional evacuation of Russian forces illegally stationed on Moldovan territory,” Anatoly Nosatyi insisted.
The Moldovan Parliament recently adopted a resolution condemning the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and denouncing atrocities attributed to the Russian army. But the Russian administration has urged Moldova to avoid “anti-Russian rhetoric” and denounced “false information” about alleged plans to destabilise the situation, asking Chisinau to cooperate, including on the Transnistrian issue.
In contrast, the US administration on Friday accused Russia of attempting to destabilise Moldova, saying it would offer support through information and assistance. “As the Republic of Moldova continues to integrate into Europe, we believe that Russia is pursuing ways to weaken the Moldovan administration, perhaps with the eventual goal of installing a more Russia-friendly administration. Specifically, Russian actors, some with ties to Russian intelligence, are trying to organise protests in Moldova and use them as a basis to fuel and generate an insurgency against the Moldovan administration,” said John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House National Security Council.
“The Republic of Moldova is not alone and will not be alone in the face of dangers and threats, including military ones,” Anatoly Nosatii stressed, calling on the European Union to remain “united” and “determined” in its assistance to Ukraine for “peace and security”.
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