Kremlin Warns Moldova, Cites Ukraine’s “Mistake” as Threat

Moscow has expressed strong disapproval of Moldova’s recent military strategy, designating Russia as a primary security threat. This decision has sparked warnings from Russian officials regarding the potential consequences of such an approach.

Kremlin Warns Moldova: Ukraine’s “Mistake” Cited as a Threat

On October 8, 2025, the Moldovan government adopted a military strategy that will guide its defense policy from 2025 to 2035. This strategy prioritizes national defense capabilities and acknowledges the ongoing military aggression from Russia in Ukraine as a significant concern for Moldova.

Key Elements of Moldova’s Military Strategy

• The strategy outlines plans to modernize the armed forces.
• It aims to increase military spending to at least 1% of GDP.
• It identifies Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious threat to Moldova’s sovereignty.

Dmitri Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, labeled the Moldovan leadership’s stance as a grave mistake. He criticized the government’s attempts to forge closer ties with Europe by labeling Russia as an antagonist. Peskov warned Moldova to avoid repeating the “mistakes” made by Ukraine, referring to the conflict that escalated after Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Concerns Over Regional Security

The strategic document emphasizes the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, noting that it poses significant risks to Moldova’s security. The prolonged conflict could make Moldova more vulnerable to both intentional and unintentional air strikes.

• Increased aggression from Russia could lead to greater risks for Moldova’s infrastructure and citizens.
• Potential expansion of Russian-occupied territories raises direct threats to Moldova’s sovereignty.
• The current Russian military presence in Transnistria is highlighted as an immediate risk to national security.

Peskov pointed out that the Moldovan pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, has consistently accused Moscow of meddling in its internal affairs. Following the legislative elections on September 28, Sandu’s party, Action and Solidarity, secured a victory amid concerns over foreign influence affecting the electoral outcome.

The Kremlin expressed regret over the Moldovan leadership’s continued unfriendly policies, indicating a strained relationship between the two nations.