1:43 am ET, March 17, 2023
Secret document reveals Russia’s 10-year plan to destabilize Ukraine’s neighbor Moldova
From CNN’s Tim Lister
A secret plan drawn up by Russia’s security service, the FSB, lays out detailed options for destabilization. Moldova – including supporting pro-Russian groups, using the Orthodox Church and threatening to cut off natural gas supplies.
The document appears to have been drawn up to counter Moldova’s western tilt, which includes closer ties with NATO and an application to join the European Union. It repeatedly mentions the importance of preventing Moldova from joining NATO.
It was acquired and first published by a consortium of media including VSquare and Frontstory, RISE Moldova, Expressen in Sweden, Dossier Center for Investigative Journalism and other outlets.
CNN has seen the entire document, which appears to have been written in 2021 by the FSB’s Directorate for Cross-Border Cooperation. Its title is “Strategic Objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova.”
The document sets out a 10-year strategy to bring Moldova, a former Soviet republic between Ukraine and Romania, into Russia’s sphere of influence.
The plan includes making Moldova dependent on Russian gas imports and fueling social conflict, as well as blocking Moldova’s efforts to gain influence in pro-Russian breakaway Transnistria, where 1,500 Russian troops are stationed.
Border of Ukraine: Russia has accused Ukraine of plotting to invade Transnistria, a region bordering southwestern Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry said last month that Ukrainians were collecting armor in several border villages. Both Moldova and Ukraine have rejected this request.
Russia’s response: Asked about the document on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “We have no knowledge of the existence of such a plan. I do not rule out that this is another fake. Russia is always open to building mutually beneficial relations with good neighbors, including Moldova.”
Peskov added: “We deeply regret that the current leadership of Moldova is experiencing completely unjustified and baseless prejudices against Moscow.”
