Moldova’s foreign ministry on Friday summoned Russia’s ambassador to the country to express “deep concern” over recent remarks by a Russian general that suggested the Kremlin was targeting his territory.
Why it matters: Major General Rustam Minnekayev said Friday that Russia is seeking full control of southern Ukraine to give it another “other way out to Transnistria,” referring to the unrecognized breakaway state internationally recognized as part of Moldova.
- Minnekayev also claimed that the Moldovan government was oppressing the Russian-speaking population in Transnistria, repeating a claim the Kremlin was using to justify its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
- Like Ukraine, Moldova is not a member of the European Union or NATO.
What you say: Moldova’s Foreign Ministry said it had subpoenaed Oleg Vasnetov, the Russian ambassador to Moldova, in response to Minnekaev’s comments.
- “These statements are unfounded and contradict the position of the Russian Federation, which supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders,” it said.
- “During the meeting, it was reiterated that according to its constitution, Moldova is a neutral state and this principle must be respected by all international actors, including the Russian Federation.”
The big picture: Russia does not officially recognize Transnistria’s independence, but maintains special ties with the region, including having troops stationed there.
- Russia recognized two breakaway “republics” in eastern Ukraine as independent before invading the country to conduct “peacekeeping operations” in the separatist regions.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted traditionally neutral countries, including Finland and Sweden, to express interest in joining NATO or the EU, or both.
go deeper: Moldova, Ukraine’s “most fragile” neighbor, welcomes the West’s wake-up call