Why Moldova Is Next for Vladimir Putin
Ukraine 2.0
Published via the Politics Through History newsletter.
Vladimir Putin is employing the same strategy in Moldova as he did in Ukraine. The same strategy that ultimately led to the annexation of Crimea and a full-scale invasion. There’s reason to believe his recent moves, including revoking a decree recognizing Moldova’s independence, are more than mere distractions with the hope of diverting attention from Ukraine.
There are strategic advantages for Putin should he gain control over Moldova and its eastern region of Transnistria. Russian troops have occupied Transnistria since 1992. Their presence has been a foreboding reminder of Soviet occupation and the threat it poses to the immediate future, especially given Putin’s full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
All of which leads me to ask Putin’s appeasers and the westerners who argue that we should not be supporting Ukraine — how can you be confident that Putin will adhere to any peace treaty with Ukraine and not invade or attempt to annex Moldova, or at the very least, Transnistria?
Given Putin’s long history of attacking his neighbors, from Chechnya and Georgia to Ukraine, what makes you think this time is different?
