Moldova identifies Russia as top security threat
The Moldovan Parliament has approved the National Defense Strategy for 2024–2034, outlining key measures to address rising threats from Russia and other geopolitical challenges, local broadcaster Radio Europa Liberă Moldova wrote on Dec. 26.
This development comes in the wake of a Russian missile, launched during a mass strike on Ukraine on Dec. 25, which reportedly passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace before heading toward Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned Russia’s airspace violation, while Romania stated that its radar systems had not detected the missile.
The newly approved strategy emphasizes Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine and hybrid attacks as the primary threats to Moldova’s security. One of the most concerning risks is the potential expansion of Russian military actions into Ukraine's Odesa Oblast, aimed at creating a corridor to Transnistria.
Key security challenges outlined include:
- Russia’s hybrid operations, including disinformation campaigns and election interference
- The illegal presence of Russian troops in Transnistria
- Allegations of mass bribery during elections, as seen in October 2024, where approximately 140,000 Moldovans reportedly received payments through Russian platforms.
The strategy commits to strengthening ties with NATO, described as a "stabilizing pillar" in the region, and enhancing partnerships with the EU. Moldova also plans to double defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030, a significant increase from the 0.55% now.
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