Tofan tells CNN Russia is testing NATO, no imminent threat to Moldova

Tofan, speaking to CNN: Russia is testing the reaction of NATO countries, but there is no imminent threat to Moldova

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Vasile Tofan, stated in an interview with CNN, conducted in New York, that Russia is attempting to test the reaction of NATO countries, but Chișinău does not consider there to be, at present, an imminent threat of a possible military invasion of the Republic of Moldova.

Vasile Tofan

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Responding to a question from CNN journalist Jim Sciutto about the level of the Russian threat, Tofan spoke about the Republic of Moldova’s strategic position.

“Firstly, in terms of geography, we share the longest border with Ukraine of all the countries to the west of Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine’s south-western flank is our country, with a border stretching some 800 miles. From this perspective, Moldova is, of course, strategically located. It is therefore not surprising that Russia is attempting to destabilise the region in order to move closer to Odessa and other points of interest to that country,” the Prime Minister stated.

“We are seeing similar attacks in Poland as well. I therefore believe that Russia is testing the reaction. At the same time, we do not see an immediate threat to Moldova in the form of a possible incursion,” he added.

Asked about a possible revision of the country’s neutral status and the possibility of joining NATO, Tofan said that the Republic of Moldova’s main foreign policy priority remains European integration.

“We are oriented towards Europe. The European Union is our national project. We are trying to bring the country into the European Union. For us, the European Union does not just mean access to a large trading bloc, but also a security project. As far as NATO is concerned, we are a neutral country. And for the time being, we intend to remain neutral. There are no plans to join NATO,” said Vasile Tofan.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the United States’ support for strengthening the Republic of Moldova’s energy independence.

“I am grateful to the United States for focusing on specific areas that are relevant to Moldova. For example, energy independence. A very important power line, connecting us to Romania and, further on, to Ukraine, is being built with US support. We would like to see more projects of this kind. I believe this also helps Ukraine, because a stronger Moldova makes Ukraine stronger,” said the Prime Minister.

Vasile Tofan’s interview with CNN took place in New York, whilst he was attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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