The illegal stationing of Russian troops in Transnistria, as well as of a paramilitary contingent of the so-called Transnistrian armed forces, represent a destabilizing factor, stated  Moldova’s Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi in an interview with Agerpres.

The defense minister says that the situation remains tense because of the war in Ukraine. All the threats come from there, including the attempts to destabilize the situation that have intensified recently and are orchestrated by the Russian Federation. At the same time, according to Anatolie Nosatîi, there is no risk of an imminent attack on the Republic of Moldova due to the courage and dedication of the Ukrainian people who are currently fighting for security, independence, sovereignty and democratic principles on the European continent.

Anatolie Nosatîi stated that the Moldovan Government has all the instruments needed to ensure security and order on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. “We have made efforts to modernize the National Army, this is done with our own forces, I mean the available resources. Even in this difficult situation, the Government has identified sources for increasing the budget, which are directed to military purchases, such as equipment, the necessary armaments, to ensure the basic mission - the defense of the state. We also use the external assistance that comes from our bilateral cooperation with strategic partners, but also with international organizations, such as the European Union and NATO”, said the defense minister.

“I personally have condemned the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine since its beginning. Intervening in the internal affairs of a sovereign state is a war crime that was and remains a great challenge for the security of Europe and the Republic of Moldova in particular, considering that we share a common border. These collateral effects of war are felt daily in our territory. I wish for justice to be restored, for Ukraine to regain its accepted territories in accordance with international principles, including the territory of Crimea”, said Anatolie Nosatîi.

This coming summer, Moldova will host an international summit on security issues.