IRMO Brief 08/2022, Moldova: Between the EU Membership and the Fear of Russian Invasion

Before February 24th 2022, Moldova was one of the least discussed countries in Europe. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the poorest countries in Europe regained the spotlight and many started raising the question of whether it will be the next on Russia`s plate. These are legitimate concerns, and Moldova may be Vladimir Putin`s next direct target. In March, Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko appeared to broadcast Russia`s plan to invade Moldova. Suppose the invasion had happened a few years ago. In that case, Moldova could serve as a vassal state for the Russians, similarly to Belarus under Lukashenko nowadays, to launch
another attack on Ukraine from a different direction.

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