Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the status of neutrality will not protect the republic from possible threats. However, according to her, the citizens of the country do not support abandoning it.
“But, despite the impossibility of abandoning neutrality now, Moldova needs help to strengthen the defense sector. Moldova should be part of the new European security architecture,” Maia Sandu said during a discussion panel at the Munich Security Conference (quoted from Interfax).
Ms. Sandu spoke regarding the risk of destabilization in the region. In this regard, she mentioned propaganda, cyberattacks, false bomb reports that affect the democratic regime. She stressed that Moldova’s priority at the moment is projects with an immediate effect that can protect the country.
According to the constitution, Moldova must maintain permanent neutrality: this excludes the entry of the republic into NATO or the CSTO. In January, Maia Sandu waived her neutrality in order to join one of the military alliances. She did not specify what kind of alliance she was talking regarding.
A state of emergency is in effect in Moldova, in early February it was once once more extended for 60 days. In the republic, the decision was explained, in particular, by the consequences of military operations in Ukraine. The country’s opposition boycotted the discussion of this measure. On February 13, Maia Sandu confirmed the information of the Ukrainian side regarding attempts to change the political system in the republic. It was reported that Russian forces were also involved in this.
More regarding the situation – in the material “Kommersant” “Turning point”.