Selenskyj raises the alarm: Putin plans chaos in Moldova and Romania!

Selenskyj raises the alarm: Putin plans chaos in Moldova and Romania!

Odessa, Ukraine - Wolodymyr Selenskyj has warned in urgent words about the Russian expansion project that are directed towards Moldova and Romania. This was done at the Ukraine-Südosturopa summit in Odessa, where the Ukrainian President said that Russia's military plans aimed at the Odessa region and the adjacent borders. Selenskyj explains that Russia attempts to create chaos to weaken Europe and create more attractive opportunities for its geopolitical ambitions. This is done at a time when the security situation in Moldova is increasingly tense.

According to Selenskyj, Vladimir Putin not only strives to influence Ukraine, but also over the entire Balkans and the stability in Europe. Another aspect of this strategy seems to be the destabilization of Moldova before the parliamentary elections in September. According to Selenskyj's assessment, Putin could encourage a failure of Europe, to expand his influence and to claim more power.

The complexity of the security situation in Moldau

The difficult situation in Moldova is made more difficult by a persistent Russian influence and the presence of pro -Russian forces in the majority of ethnically mixed areas such as transistria. This region, which split off from Moldau in 1992, houses around 30 percent ethnic Russians and is supported by around 1,500 Russian soldiers. The Moldova government under President Maia Sandu has had great challenges since her inauguration a little more than a year, including a reform agenda to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law, which is endangered in the wake of the Ukraine War. Moldau suffers from tightened security risks, economic instability and an energy crisis.

The dependence on Russia has proven to be particularly problematic. Gazprom fully stopped supplies in January 2025, which led to a drastic increase in energy prices. Electricity prices have increased by 70 percent, and the standard of living of many Moldova has dropped sharply. Around 30 percent of the population live below the poverty line, which increases social unrest. The growing dissatisfaction with the government is also reinforced by pro -Russian forces such as the oligarchical politician Ilan Shor, who tried to influence the elections with illegal funds.

the hybrid war and the geopolitical implications

Russia uses a large number of hybrid war guide methods to destabilize the pro -European government in Moldova and to stir up social tensions. This includes extortionate energy policy, support for pro -Russian parties and influence on elections. In addition to domestic turbulence, there are also larger geopolitical implications. Bruno Kahl, the head of the Federal Intelligence Service, expressed that Ukraine was only a step in Putin's strategy to the west. Selenskyj also campaigned for increased military help for Ukraine, especially in the form of aircraft systems, and called for political support for the EU accession of Ukraine.

Selenskyj sees the upcoming elections in Moldova as critical and described it as a possible turning point in the course of the country's EU integration. Moldaus President Sandu described the 2025 parliamentary election as the "last battle" for EU membership. The participation of the population in an EU referendum in October 2024, in which 50.4 percent voted for the pro-European forces, shows a clear support for this direction, but the continuing challenges by Russia remain a serious threat.

The geopolitical tensions in the region are clearly noticeable. While Moldova is trying to push back the influence of Russia and become more stable, the question remains how the next steps will develop. In view of the tense situation, it remains to be seen what progress Moldau can make on the way to EU integration and whether the Kremlin will continue to pursue its goal of expanding the influence in the region.

For further information on the developments in Moldova and the influence of Russia, see the reporting of The West , bpb and Spiegel .