Kremlin Warns Moldova Citing Ukraine’s Mistake
Moscow has reacted strongly to Moldova’s recent military strategy, which identifies Russia as the primary security threat. This strategy was approved by the Moldovan government for the years 2025 to 2035, marking a significant shift in defense posture.
Kremlin’s Warning to Moldova
On October 8, 2025, Moldova’s government unveiled plans aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities. This includes a commitment to increase military spending to at least 1% of the country’s GDP. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the Moldovan leadership’s actions as a serious mistake, warning that portraying Russia as an antagonist could lead to adverse consequences.
Concerns Over Regional Security
The newly adopted strategy cites concerns over continuing military aggression from Russia in Ukraine. It emphasizes that this conflict poses significant risks to Moldova’s sovereignty, especially concerning the potential for expanded Russian territorial control, which could exert additional political pressure on Moldova.
- Date of Approval: October 8, 2025
- Military Spending Target: At least 1% of GDP
Furthermore, the Moldovan document describes the Russian military presence in the breakaway region of Transnistria as a direct threat. The armed formations there are seen as tools that could be employed to destabilize Moldova politically and socially.
Political Context
The warning from the Kremlin comes after the pro-European party, Action and Solidarity, won Moldova’s parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025. President Maia Sandu has repeatedly accused Moscow of trying to interfere in Moldova’s internal affairs and influence election outcomes in favor of pro-Russian entities.
Peskov remarked that the Moldovan leaders, by continuing their unfriendly policy towards Russia, were making a grave error. He hinted at Ukraine as a parallel, suggesting that Moldova should reconsider its current approach to relations with Russia.
This situation reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe as Moldova seeks to enhance its defense against perceived threats from Moscow while navigating its aspirations for closer ties with Western Europe.
