Romania has vowed to support the Republic of Moldova in the event of a Russian attack, citing its legal obligation to protect Romanian citizens, including those abroad. General Gheorghiță Vlad, Chief of the Romanian Defence Staff, emphasized this commitment in an interview with highlighting Romania’s strategic partnership with Moldova and its readiness to provide military assistance.
Moldova, with a population of approximately 2.6 million, includes about one million people who hold Romanian passports due to historical ties and the incentive of access to EU citizenship benefits. This significant dual citizenship strengthens Romania’s obligation to support Moldova, particularly in times of crisis.
“Romania is a loyal ally to Moldova,” General Vlad said. “We are enhancing the Moldovan Army’s defensive capabilities through joint training and development programs. In the event of an attack, Romania will support Moldova with all available resources.”
As a NATO member, Romania’s involvement could draw in the alliance, though General Vlad stressed that protecting Romanian citizens, including the estimated one million in Moldova, is a national priority. “Romania has political, military, and diplomatic tools to support Moldova, particularly its Romanian citizens,” he noted.
Moldova’s constitution, specifically Article 11, declares the country permanently neutral, prohibiting participation in military alliances and foreign military presence on its soil, a stance shaped by its geopolitical position and the unresolved Transnistria conflict.
Romania’s military strategy includes securing key areas like the Focșani Gate, a critical mobility corridor near western Moldova. This low-altitude terrain is vital for NATO and the EU, serving as a potential battlefield but also a vulnerable point due to Romania’s limited technical capabilities and regional infrastructure challenges. Securing the Eastern Carpathian mountain passes, interconnected with the Focșani Gate, is also a priority.
Moldova’s government approved on 8 October a new Military strategy for 2025–2035, focusing on reorganizing its forces, modernizing equipment, and developing air and cyber defences. The strategy includes transitioning to a digital command system and increasing the defence budget to 1% of GDP by 2034, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and investments in modern equipment and training.
While General Vlad considers a direct Russian military attack unlikely, he warned of Moscow’s ongoing hybrid warfare, including disinformation, fake news, and efforts to manipulate public opinion. “Russia is waging a cognitive war, targeting the minds of our citizens,” he said. “But Romania’s security is assured through NATO’s guarantees and our robust defense capabilities. Russia knows we are prepared.”
He cited Poland’s use of advanced weaponry to counter low-cost threats as an example of NATO’s vigilance, signaling to Russia that allies are united in defending their airspace and territorial integrity.
“The Romanian army is well-prepared. Even if Poland deployed a million-euro missile to neutralize a target worth 10,000 euros, the strategic communication impact far outweighs the cost. This action sent a clear message to Russia: we robustly defend our airspace and territorial integrity. No additional signals are needed, as military capabilities are well understood among nations,” said Vlad. He emphasized that “Romania, as a NATO member, benefits from comprehensive security guarantees.”