The EU must remain consistent in eliminating gray areas, stated expert Igor Boțan during the public debate titled “Dangers of New ‘Spheres of Influence’ for Moldova, Ukraine, and the EU”, organized by IPN Press Agency. Botan stressed that the EU must remain vigilant against President Putin’s ultimatums and strengthen efforts to resist Russian pressure.
Botan noted that recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin pose a direct threat to European security, particularly to post-Soviet states. He referenced Putin’s 2021 letters to NATO and the U.S., demanding a withdrawal of NATO infrastructure to pre-1997 borders.
“The EU must take into account Putin’s demands. In recent talks with Donald Trump, he implied that achieving peace in Ukraine requires removing the so-called causes of the conflict—specifically, referring to his 2021 letters to NATO and the U.S. requesting a return to 1997 borders,” said Igor Botan.
Botan described Putin’s rhetoric as a clear sign of pressure on regional states, urging the EU to stay alert:
“In my view, this is a serious threat, and the EU’s leadership must recognize it. For post-Soviet countries, these warnings should serve as a siren, urging them to take decisive action,” he explained.
The expert expressed hope that the EU would show unity and resolve in eliminating ‘gray areas.’ He emphasized that steadfastness from the EU could pave the way for countries like Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia to join the European bloc.
“In light of recent events, the EU must strengthen its union. It should be clear by now that gray areas between Russia and the EU are nothing but future flashpoints for conflict. Once committed to eliminating these areas, the EU must follow through. Should it remain firm, countries like Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia have real prospects of finding shelter within the European Union,” Botan concluded.
The debate, “Dangers of New ‘Spheres of Influence’ for Moldova, Ukraine, and the EU”, was the 326th edition of the “Developing Political Culture in Public Debates” series, supported by the German Hanns Seidel Foundation.
