The Russian Federation plans to also invade the Republic of Moldova at the beginning of 2023. The implementation of this scenario depends on the developments in Ukraine, the director of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) Alexandru Musteața stated in an interview for TVR Moldova channel, IPN reports.

The official said that a number of scenarios by which Moscow would stage a land invasion through northern Ukraine towards the Republic of Moldova are being analyzed.

“The question is not if the Russian Federation stages a new offensive towards the territory of the Republic of Moldova, but when this will happen – at the start of the year, in January-February, or later, in March or April. But the information we possess shows the Russian Federation intends to go further. As they pursue the goal of creating a junction with the Transnistrian region, which is on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, we can say with clarity that they intend to get here and to connect. We can discuss what will follow next, their intentions, but there is a real and very big risk,” stated Alexandru Musteața.

He noted that the largest ammunition depot in Europe, which is located in Cobasna in the Transnistrian region, is maximally secured by the Russians. One of the hypotheses is that this ammunition will be used in a possible military confrontation.

Update: The SIS detailed the statements made by Alexandru Musteața for TVR Moldova channel. “The SIS director said the Russian Federation’s goal to create a land corridor up to the Transnistrian region remains valid and a new offensive by the Russian Federation in this direction can take place in 2023. Also, the implementation of this plan depends on the developments of the war in Ukraine,” said the institution.