Moldova\'s Neutrality No Defense Against Russia, Minister Warns at Munich Conference
Moldova's traditional neutrality will not protect it from Russian aggression, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi warned at the Munich Security Conference.
He cited Russia's violation of Ukraine's neutral status as clear evidence of this threat.
"Russia has completely disregarded the concept of neutrality by attacking Ukraine, a fellow neutral nation. This raises grave doubts about the true protective value of such a status," Nosatîi stated.
He further noted the example of Finland, which abandoned its long-held neutrality to join NATO after recognizing the need for stronger defence guarantees. Moldova, Nosatîi emphasised, has reached a similar conclusion regarding its vulnerability in the face of Russian aggression and the risk of direct or indirect targeting. The country is urgently bolstering its national defence capabilities.
Despite this, Nosatîi asserted that a direct military invasion of Moldova is currently unlikely due to Ukraine's ongoing resistance in the south.
When asked about Moldova's potential for closer ties with NATO, the defence minister highlighted the nation's 30-year partnership through the Partnership for Peace program. "Our collaboration with NATO members provides essential tools to counter hybrid warfare tactics, the impact of which Moldova keenly understands," he explained.
Minister Nosatîi's attendance at the Munich Security Conference underscored his commitment to addressing the Black Sea region's security challenges. His bilateral discussions with leaders focused on strengthening Moldova's resilience and defence capabilities.
Importantly, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, missile fragments have fallen within Moldovan territory at least five times, primarily in the northern and eastern regions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
