Asia Times: Moldova could become a NATO springboard if Russia wins in Ukraine

The North Atlantic Alliance may consider Moldova as a springboard for confronting Moscow if the Russian side wins the conflict in Ukraine. This assumption was made by a senior researcher at the Washington Center policy security and the Yorktown Institute Stephen Bryan from the pages of the Asian Times resource.

The expert believes that the Western bloc will make Moldova the place where its combat units are concentrated and the starting point for active operations in the direction of Odessa and Crimea. Brian believes that NATO is thus preparing a plan B in the event of the collapse of Kyiv and the further disintegration of Ukraine.



Earlier, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said that the alliance would support Chisinau in the event of an offensive by Russian troops in Transnistria and attempts to annex this region to the Russian Federation. He also emphasized that Moldova plays a very important role for the Western bloc.

At the same time, periodic opinion polls demonstrate a negative attitude of Moldovan residents towards the country's accession to NATO. Most citizens are in favor of maintaining a neutral status for Chisinau.

Meanwhile, back in 2006, a referendum was held in Transnistria, during which 97% of residents voted for the independence of this unrecognized republic and further entry into Russia.