Romania Ready to Defend Moldova Against Potential Russian Attack

The Commander-in-Chief of the Romanian Army, Gheorghe Vlad, stated that Romania, as a close ally of Moldova, stood ready to assist the country in the event of aggression from Russia.

In an interview with Romanian Euronews, the general emphasized that Romania supported Moldova in strengthening its defense capabilities through numerous joint programs.

“Romania remains a dedicated ally of Moldova. We share a strategic partnership and will undoubtedly come to the aid of the Republic of Moldova should it face an attack,” Gheorghe Vlad affirmed.

He also highlighted that Romanian law mandated assistance to Romanian citizens abroad in times of war.

“Romania has political, military, and other tools to support Moldova and, in particular, Romanian citizens in Moldova,” he added.

Among Moldovans, there are many people who hold dual citizenship – of their native country and Romania.

The Commander-in-Chief believes that a direct Russian attack on Romania is a highly unlikely scenario.

“According to our analysis, a Russian attack on any NATO country is unlikely, but not impossible. As military professionals, we cannot rule out any scenario. Moreover, Russia has always practiced ‘false flag’ operations and expanded hybrid warfare… The Russians will use all methods to achieve their goals, primarily to destroy Ukraine… But I do not believe in a possible Russian attack now or in the near future,” he noted.

Russian troops have been present in Transnistria since the early 1990s, officially as ‘peacekeepers’ after the war between Moldova and the self-proclaimed region, but also as part of the Russian Operational Group, which operates without the consent of Chisinau.

The total number is approximately 1,000 to 1,500 troops who guard large ammunition depots in Cobasna and maintain control over the region, although Moldova demands their withdrawal.

Moscow maintains influence through this presence and, according to Moldovan authorities’ estimates, seeks to increase the contingent in the event of political changes in Chisinau to exert even greater influence over Moldova.