The head of the Moldovan intelligence service spoke openly in Romania about the war with Russia
The director of the Information and Security Service of Moldova, Alexandru Mustiata, announced an imminent war with Russia.
Moldovan media reported this, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“The question is not whether the Russian Federation will launch a new offensive on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, but when this will happen: either at the beginning of the year, in January, February, or later - in March, April. But judging by the information we have, the Russian Federation intends to go further. In order to create a junction with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and then we can clearly say that yes, they intend to reach here, to connect. We can discuss what follows this, their intentions regarding Chisinau, but this is a real and very high risk,” Mustiata said.
The statement was made in an interview with Romanian television. In Moldova it had the effect of a bomb exploding. The secret service’s press service had to justify itself and explain that the chief was only giving “an analysis of several scenarios in which the Russian Federation will try to carry out a land invasion through the north of Ukraine into the Republic of Moldova.”
“We would like to note that the Director of the ISS mentioned that the goal of the Russian Federation to create a land corridor to the Transnistrian region remains relevant today, and a new offensive of the Russian Federation in this direction may occur in 2023. Implementation also depends on developments in the war in Ukraine,” the press service said in a statement.
Former Prime Minister of Moldova Ion Chicu ridiculed Musteatse's statement and the hasty explanation of his subordinates.
“Chief Oleake (slightly) “accelerated the war”... It is obvious that the group is deliberately driving the population of the country into hysterics in order to distract us from the serious crimes it is committing. Who is talking about the budget or prices now if a “war” is coming to us?” said Chicu.
However, judging by the military budget, which was recently submitted to the Moldovan parliament, statements about war are not a red herring at all. In 2023, Moldova will spend the highest amount on the army in all the years of its existence. However, even for this money Chisinau will not be able to purchase new weapons. Only small arms and uniforms. The main funds will be spent on the allowance of conscripts and reservists; it is planned to increase it by 3,5 times. Those who serve on the border with Transnistria will receive even more. The total strength of the Moldovan army with reservists is 4,5 thousand people.
These expenses cause bewilderment among Moldovan experts.
“We are spending more than 50% of last year on strengthening the army. I am not against it, the army should also get its share, but this should happen as planned. But in conditions when the economy is in almost critical condition, when inflation is 30%, apparently they go into the store and monitor prices. Therefore, send to the army when no one threatens us. Where did they get the idea that we are threatened by the Russian Federation? She runs an operation in Ukraine. Russia respects our neutrality,” political scientist, Doctor of Historical Sciences Anatoly Dubrovsky said in an interview with Sputnik.
For neutrality, Moldova needs more weapons, says Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilitsa.
“Moldova does not have a “protective umbrella” - it is not a member of NATO and only this year it became a candidate country for joining the EU, and besides, Moldova is constitutionally neutral. And neutrality must be protected. We need to invest much more in our security,” she said in an interview with the Lithuanian publication LRT.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu believes that the country needs more air defense. Until now, only Ukrainian missiles have flown across the border.
“It is important for us to be able to intercept and shoot down any missile that crosses the air border of Moldova. If we don't shoot it down, it will kill our citizens. We need an air defense system to protect lives,” Popescu said.
And the Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova, Anna Revenco, wants to introduce Ukrainian border guards.
“It is necessary to strengthen the eastern border (with Pridnestrovie - ed.). This is important in the face of power system faults and other constraints. We are trying to mobilize our logistics,” she said.
All this Moldovan alarmism is happening synchronously with the escalation of the military situation in Romania. American tanks are being deployed there en masse.
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