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Weekend Reads
How the US Can Beat the Kremlin in Moldova
Russia likely sees Moldova as the final phase of its invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow is currently waging a concerted hybrid war against Europe’s poorest country. With Moldova at a historic fork in the road between European integration and Russian coercion, it is in the United States’ interest that Moldova remains secure, stable, and sovereign.
Luke Coffey and Peter Rough explain the Kremlin’s hybrid tactics in the lead-up to crucial Moldovan elections and give 12 policy recommendations for the West to integrate and defend Chișinău.
Key Insights
1. Washington should pursue stronger political and diplomatic relations with Chişinău.
Along with establishing a more visible diplomatic presence in Moldova, the US and European Union should focus on Chişinău’s real anticorruption achievements—not on unrealistic outside expectations. The US should work closely with Europe to help Moldova fight corruption. Social, economic, and political reforms in Moldova will take time. Additionally, the US and Europe should cooperate to enhance governance in Moldova. Tackling corruption and building a vibrant, free economy to attract foreign direct investment will help secure Moldova’s future and put guardrails in place to ensure the country remains on a Euro-Atlantic path.
2. America and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies should help strengthen Moldova’s security.
The best way for the US to ensure a secure, prosperous, and sovereign Moldova is by ensuring that Ukraine defeats Russia militarily. Until Ukraine is secure, Moldova will remain in Moscow’s crosshairs. Meanwhile, NATO should encourage its centers of excellence to assist Moldova against Russian hybrid aggression. The alliance should especially consider inviting Moldova to participate in the centers focusing on cybersecurity, energy security, and countering propaganda. Last, the US and its European allies should work with Moldova to help bolster its own defense capabilities through programs like Foreign Military Financing, the European Peace Facility, and European Deterrence Initiative.
3. The US should help to further integrate Moldova into the Euro-Atlantic community.
Washington should work with European nations to create a new format for peacefully resolving the issue of Transnistria, a breakaway republic on Moldova’s border that serves as a smuggling hub and hosts around 1,500 Russian troops. To do so, Washington should focus on improving trilateral relations among Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania until a suitable alternative can be found. The US should also revitalize its engagement with the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development–GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) and the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) to build relations with Moldova and improve the country’s energy and transit situation.
Quotes may be edited for clarity and length.
Go Deeper
Romanian Foreign Minister Luminiţa-Teodora Odobescu joined Hudson to discuss how Romania is one of America’s strongest and closest allies in the vital Black Sea region and beyond.
Ukraine continues to rack up successes against Russian military assets in the Black Sea, challenging the narrative that a Russian victory is inevitable and dealing Moscow a crucial blow in the larger regional and global struggle, writes Matt Boyse.
Most Ukrainians think that giving up is not an option, reports Walter Russell Mead from his recent trip to the front lines in Ukraine.
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