Romania could help the Republic of Moldova in case of an attack by Russia, based on a law that protects Romanian citizens, said Chief of the General Staff of Defense Georgieta Vlad, quoted by Digi 24 TV, BTA reports.
In an interview with Euronews, he indicated that the new draft law on defense, approved by the government last week, is welcome in the current context and assured citizens that Romania is ready to resist and provide support to the Republic of Moldova if necessary.
„The Romanian Army helps the Republic of Moldova and the Army of the Republic of Moldova to develop the respective defense capacity. We have many joint training and capability development programs. We offer assistance to the Army of the Republic of Moldova. Romania continues to be a loyal ally of the Republic of Moldova - we have a strategic partnership and we will help with absolutely everything in case of an attack“, noted the Chief of the General Staff.
When asked whether Romania would intervene in support of Moldova in the event of a possible attack by another country, including Russia, Gheorghe Vlad replied: “To a large extent - yes“.
“Don't forget that we have a law according to which the Romanian state, in case of conflict, must provide assistance to Romanian citizens outside the national borders. Romania has the political, military and other tools to support Moldova and especially Romanian citizens in the Republic of Moldova,” he stressed.
The Romanian army chief added that he was convinced that Russia would not launch an attack, but noted that the hybrid war that Moscow resorts to must be eliminated.
According to data released by Moldovan President Maia Sandu in May 2024, one million citizens of the Republic of Moldova also have Romanian citizenship, Digi 24 recalls.
The Ziare website notes that according to an article in the new draft law on defense, approved earlier this month by the government, the President of Romania may order the participation of military and non-military forces outside the country's territory to protect Romanian citizens in danger abroad, including in armed conflicts.
The parliament may also approve the participation of military forces on the territory of Romania or abroad to counter hybrid threats at the proposal of the President after consultation with the Supreme Council for National Defense.
Defense Minister Ionut Moșteanu explained that such a hybrid threat could be, for example, an attack on energy infrastructure, which would pose a risk to national security.