Vladimir Putin is preparing to attack another country after Ukraine to prevent it from moving towards European integration and away from the influence of Moscow, the Daily Star reported, citing international observers.
The Russian president may try to conquer Moldova before it joins the European Union. After Chisinau voted to begin the process of joining the EU, Putin fears the territory could slip away from Russian influence. The country, like Ukraine, was part of the Soviet Union.
Moldova's pro-EU course poses a problem for Russian authorities, who hope to extend their dominance after turning the EU into an enemy. The EU imposed billions in sanctions on Russia for its aggressive actions against Ukraine.
Putin is trying to destabilize Moldova with political methods, but he is ready to do anything to absorb the country, including by military means.
Orissa Lutsevich, deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, said that “Putin is consistent in his vision that Moldova belongs to him and, as we see with Ukraine, he is willing to endure big losses and pay a high price“.
The Russian leader could create a land bridge to Moldova through Ukraine using occupied territories. Lutsevich warns that if Putin achieves his ambition, it will practically mean the collapse of Moldova.
Moldovan President Maya Sandu said that membership in the European Union is the only way forward for Moldova. After the first round of the election, Sandu said there was “clear evidence” that criminal groups backed by “foreign powers that are hostile to our national interests” had tried to buy hundreds of thousands of votes. Sandu and her allies present the presidential election as a choice between a future in Europe and ties with Moscow.
Putin launched a full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022 with the clear vision of permanently preventing Kiev from becoming part of the European family and breaking away from Kremlin influence. Moscow claims that the purpose of the “special military operation” is to protect Russian interests and the existence of the federation, which Putin says has been put at risk.