Fears Grow of Russian Threat to Moldova Amid Echoes of Ukraine Conflict
-
Fears have risen that Russia could target Moldova like it has Ukraine, due to Moldova's Western alignment and Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria.
-
Recent concerning incidents in Transnistria, like explosions and an appeal to Russia, have drawn parallels to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
-
Russia likely doesn't have the military capability now to invade Transnistria from Ukraine, but it is destabilizing Moldova through disinformation and supporting anti-government protests.
-
The recent burning of an old helicopter in Transnistria seemed staged, but caused panic about Russia's intentions.
-
Moldova aims to resolve the Transnistria conflict peacefully but likely won't achieve reintegration before hoped-for EU membership in 2030 due to deep mistrust.