Moldova recognizes Russia as an existential threat to itself

On December 26, the Moldovan parliament adopted a defense strategy, which identified the main threats to the country and provided for an increase in spending on the republic's defense capabilities.

The main threats identified in the strategy are those related to Russia: the war in Ukraine and its possible expansion in Odesa region, hybrid attacks by Russia, as well as Russian troops stationed in Moldova and military formations in the temporarily occupied territory of Transnistria, NewsMaker reported.

To counteract this, Moldova has decided to work on improving its position in the Global Firepower ranking of aggregate military power. In 2024, Moldova was ranked 144th out of 145. By 2029, Moldova should move up five positions, and by 2034 - by 10. To achieve this, military training will be improved, the number of military camps in the country will be increased, and defense funding will be increased.

NATO was called a pillar of stability in the current global political situation: "The Alliance provides collective defense of member states and plays a crucial role in deterring aggression." At the same time, the strategy states that Moldova respects its neutrality status, which does not contradict cooperation with military partners. It is also planned to intensify Moldova's participation in EU peacekeeping and civilian missions.

The Moldovan parliament also noted that Russia could be removed from the list of threats, but this requires that Moscow provide security guarantees for Moldova after the war in Ukraine and stop attempts to destabilize the republic and take into account Chisinau's views and interests.

Representatives of the ruling party also criticized the opposition's statements about the country's neutrality, noting that the status of a neutral state does not in itself ensure the country's security. As an example, they cited Poland in 1939, Finland, Norway, and the Baltic states in 1940. Despite their neutrality, these countries were occupied by Hitler's Germany and the USSR. Lilian Karp , chairman of the parliamentary commission on national security, defense and public order, also noted that neutral status did not protect Georgia from Russia's attack in 2008 and Ukraine from a full-scale invasion.

Кирило Бойко