Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) stated on 23/9 that the European Union and NATO are planning to deploy military forces in Romania and Ukraine to pressure Moldova and threaten the breakaway region of Transnistria.
"NATO units are concentrating in Romania, near the Moldovan border. The first groups of soldiers from France and the UK have also arrived in Odessa province, in preparation for a plan to threaten Transnistria," the SVR statement said.
Russian intelligence accused the EU of being "determined to keep Moldova in an anti-Russian orbit" and being ready to achieve this goal by any means, including deploying troops to "control Moldova".
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US artillery participates in the 25th iteration of the Saber Guardian exercise in Romania, 9/6. Photo: US Army |
US artillery participates in the 25th iteration of the Saber Guardian exercise in Romania, 9/6. Photo: US Army
The SVR claims the EU will not abandon its plan to intervene in Moldova even if the country's elections at the end of this month proceed smoothly. They also warned of potential "armed provocations" in Transnistria.
NATO and EU officials have not yet commented on the accusations.
After the war in Ukraine broke out in early 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU and was granted candidate status. In 2024, the EU opened accession negotiations, escalating tensions between Moldova and Russia, particularly regarding the breakaway region of Transnistria, which maintains pro-Moscow sentiments.
Transnistria, a narrow strip of land along the Dniester River between Moldova and Ukraine, has long been a geopolitical hotspot. Internationally recognized as part of Moldova, it has operated as an independent state since a brief conflict in 1992, with its own government, military, currency, and passports.
Russia currently maintains a garrison in Transnistria. A large weapons depot from the Soviet era and its strategic location near the Ukrainian border have made Transnistria a frequent topic in discussions about the potential spread of the Ukraine conflict.
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Location of the breakaway region of Transnistria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. Graphic: BBC |
Location of the breakaway region of Transnistria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. Graphic: BBC
Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on 29/9 to elect 101 new members, a process that could influence its EU accession. On 22/9, Moldovan security forces conducted about 250 searches and arrested more than 70 people on charges of plotting unrest. Police said the suspects were "directed by individuals in Russia" and planned to "incite large-scale riots".
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who is pro-Western, accused Russia of spending hundreds of millions of USD to influence the election results, although Moscow has consistently denied this.
Igor Dodon, leader of the Moldovan Socialist Party, stated that the 22/9 searches directly targeted party members. He also accused the Moldovan government of trying to "silence the opposition", threatening those who support improved relations with Russia, and instilling fear in the population.
Thanh Danh (TASS, Newsweek, AP)
