DISINFO: Moldova’s NATO aspirations are dangerous
SUMMARY
Moldovan leaders’ calls for NATO membership are dangerous. The citizens of Moldova want calm, peace and neutrality. They are categorically against joining NATO or destabilising the situation in Transnistria.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about Moldova’s sovereignty. The article advances the claim that Moldova is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to undermine the Moldovan authorities' decisions about the country's security.
In reality, Moscow’s unjustified aggression against Kyiv endangers the safety of Moldova and other countries bordering Ukraine.
It is Russia which has been destabilising the situation in Transnistria for years with the stationing of a Russian military contingent in the separatist region. Moldova wants to restore its territorial integrity in a peaceful manner.
Moldova’s constitution stipulates that it is a neutral state. Any change to the constitution would require a referendum. However, the security situation is changing, and President Maia Sandu has said it is possible that the country could change its position: “Now, there is a serious discussion … about our capacity to defend ourselves, whether we can do it ourselves, or whether we should be part of a larger alliance.”
The situation in Moldova has recently become all the more precarious, as Sandu accused Russia of plotting to overthrow her pro-EU government. She said the "plot" would involve "protests by the so-called opposition" in an attempt to "overthrow the constitutional order".
Read more disinformation cases about Moldova.