Russia may launch attack on Moldova in early 2023, says country's security chief
Transnistria (Photo:Slava Murava Kiss / Flickr)
Russia may launch a new offensive against Moldova in early 2023, the director of the Moldovan Security and Intelligence Service, Alexandru Musteaţa, said in an interview with TVR Moldova published on Dec. 19.
According to him, the question is not whether Russia will invade Moldova, but when it could happen. The official believes Russia may take this step in January through March 2023.
"The question is not whether the Russian Federation will launch a new offensive on Moldovan territory, but when it will happen: either at the beginning of the year, in January, February or later, in March, April," Musteaţa said.
He noted that Russia plans to reach Transnistria, which is already occupied. He called this scenario "highly likely."
"Judging by the information we have, the Russian Federation intends to go further,” he added.
“In order to create a connection with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and then we can definitely say that indeed they intend to come here, to connect.”
The chief of the Moldovan security service also pointed out that the largest ammunition depot in Europe, located in Transnistria, is heavily guarded by Russians. One of the service’s theories is that Russia will seek to use this ammunition in a possible military confrontation.
On Oct. 28, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said that Ukraine's border with Russia, Belarus, as well as the Transnistrian segment of the border with Moldova have been significantly reinforced amid the threat of invasion.
Earlier, the head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov said that Ukraine is ready to help Moldova get rid of Russian occupiers on its territory.
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