Moldova exits key arms treaty in strategic pivot away from Russia
The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) is an international agreement signed between NATO countries and Warsaw Pact states. The agreement concluded in 1990, declared limits on the possession of weapons and military equipment.
Russia withdrew from the treaty several months ago. In response, NATO countries also froze their participation in the agreement. According to European leaders (including representatives from Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs), "this could be the beginning of a new cold war".
Moldova is also withdrawing from the arms limitation agreement
The treaty on arms limits was recognized in Moldova until March 2024. The tense political situation between the Kremlin and Chișinău and a potential conflict around Transnistria caused Moldovan politicians to rethink this matter.
Moldovan media report that on March 5, the ruling body decided to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). The direct reason for such action is said to be "Russia's withdrawal from the treaty".
- Russia's withdrawal from this agreement and the circumstances under which it was concluded in 1990 have fundamentally changed its provisions - states the secretary of state of the Ministry of Defence of Moldova, Walery Mizha, quoted by the newsmaker.md service.
Russian authorities believe that "Moldova's move is directed against the interests of Russia". The Kremlin fears that Chișinău will want to move towards NATO countries to reduce the risk of a Russian invasion.
Authorities in Chișinău are following the footsteps of Kyiv - said Sergey Lavrov, referring to Russia's narrative about "the persecution of the Russian-speaking population".
Renouncing the treaty and increasing Moldova's integration with NATO are huge blows to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin. It’s worth mentioning that the situation between Moscow and Chișinău is very tense, which is exacerbated by the situation in Transnistria.
The authorities of the unrecognized republic in the world have asked Russia for "help". According to the self-proclaimed quasi-state, "Transnistria is under economic pressure" from Romania and Moldova. This could lead to another war led by the Kremlin.
