Russia Could Also Invade Moldova In 2023: Security Service Head

Observers praised Moldova's "well-managed" run-off election conducted during a coronavirus pandemic

The head of Moldova's national intelligence agency has warned that Russia could invade the country's breakaway region of Transnistria early next year.

Alexandru Musteata, the head of Moldova's Intelligence and Security Services (SIS), said a possible Russian invasion in their eastern border would depend on the developments in the war in Ukraine.

"The question is not whether the Russian Federation will launch a new offensive in the direction of Moldovan territory, but when it will happen: either at the beginning of the year, in January, February, or later, in March (or) April," Musteata said in his interview with local TV station TVR Moldova.

"But, judging by the information we have, Russia may go further to create a corridor with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of Moldova," he continued. "Then it will be possible to say with clarity that yes, they intend to get here, to unite. What will follow later — their intentions towards Chisinau — we can discuss, but this is a real and very high risk."

Moldova's intelligence chief argued that Europe's largest ammunition depot is in the region and is currently guarded by the Russian military. Musteata suggested that Russia could use the depot in a possible military confrontation.

The SIS later released a statement clarifying the comments made by the agency's head.

The agency said Musteata's comments refer to an "analysis of several scenarios in which the Russian Federation would attempt, including a land invasion through the north of Ukraine, towards the Republic of Moldova," the Associated Press reported.

"We specify that the director of the SIS mentioned that the objective of the Russian Federation to create a land corridor to the Transnistrian region is still valid today, and a new offensive of the Russian Federation in this direction could take place in 2023," the agency said.

The SIS added in its statement, "Its implementation also depends on the development of events in the war in Ukraine," according to European Pravda.

In October, Moldova lawmaker Oazu Nantoi told European Pravda that Russian President Vladimir Putin could order Russian troops stationed in the Transnistria region to launch an offensive on the Ukrainian city of Odesa.

But Nantoi said Russian forces in the breakaway region are not motivated to fight either with Ukraine or Moldova and do not want a war at all.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Moldova declared a state of emergency to deal with the fallout from the war.

Fearing that Russia could target territories beyond Ukraine, Moldova accelerated its formal application for membership in the European Union.

Russian airstrikes have also affected Moldova, as its gas and energy infrastructure is connected with Ukraine.

In November, Moldova's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to demand that Moscow stop the bombings as they affect the country's electricity.

Moldova also suspended the broadcast licenses of six television networks, accusing them of inaccurate coverage of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine and "attempts to manipulate public opinion," Al Jazeera reported.

Four of the six suspended TV channels—First in Moldova, RTR Moldova, NTV Moldova and TV6—which air programs from Russian TV networks were earlier banned by the European Council over allegations of spreading Russian propaganda.