Russia could invade in 2023, warns Moldova spy chief

Robert Besser
23 Dec 2022, 20:19 GMT+10

Alexandru Musteata, head of the Information and Security Service, has warned that there is a "very high" risk of a new Russian offensive to take his country's eastern territories next year
He added that Moscow seeks to create a land corridor to the breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniestria through Ukraine
Musteata's comments follow the recent statements of Ukrainian army generals warning of the threat of a major new Russian offensive early next year

CHISNAU, Moldova: Alexandru Musteata, head of the Information and Security Service, has warned that there is a "very high" risk of a new Russian offensive to take his country's eastern territories next year.

He added that Moscow seeks to create a land corridor to the breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniestria through Ukraine.

Musteata's comments follow the recent statements of Ukrainian army generals warning of the threat of a major new Russian offensive early next year.

In an interview with the TVR-Moldova television channel, Musteata said, "The question is not whether the Russian Federation will undertake a new advance towards Moldova's territory, but when it will do so."

Russia was looking at several scenarios to reach Moldova, and it was possible an offensive would be launched between January and April, he added.

In a statement, the Moldovan Information and Security Service said that the Russian offensive would depend on the progress of its invasion of Ukraine.

Musteata stressed that Russia aims to link its forces with those already in Transdniestria.

In an interview with The Economist last week, Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhniy said that Russia was preparing 200,000 troops for a major offensive that could come from the east, south or even from Belarus as early as January, but more likely in spring.

Moldova has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and seeks to create closer ties with the West.