German FM Baerbock: If Ukraine falls, Moldova could be next target of Russia

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a stark warning that Moldova could be the next country at risk if Ukraine falls to Russian aggression. Speaking during the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau on Tuesday, Baerbock stressed that Ukraine’s defense is directly tied to Moldova’s security.

“Everything we do to support Ukraine also contributes to stabilizing Moldova. The greatest fear here is that if Ukraine falls, Moldova will be the next target,” Baerbock stated at the event, where she was joined by her French, Romanian, Polish, Dutch, and Lithuanian counterparts.

Her remarks reflect growing concerns about the broader regional implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine, has faced increasing pressure and destabilization efforts from Russia.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who accuses Russia of attempting to overthrow her government, echoed these concerns. She called on international partners to intensify their support as the country continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the conflict.

“The war in Ukraine, which we condemned from the start, has caused severe damage to our economy. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict continues to obstruct our economic development and will do so until the war is over,” Sandu said.

As part of the platform’s efforts, Moldova secured over €300 million in loans to support its economic stability and resilience amidst the ongoing crisis.