Dorin Recean, serving as Moldova’s national security adviser to the President, raised a controversial point at a global forum in Chisinau: despite the country’s constitutional neutrality, he suggested that Western partners could increase weapons supplies. His remarks came during the Moldova-European Discussion Forum, an event that drew attention from regional security analysts and news agencies, including TASS.
Recean conveyed that Moldova’s leadership wants to receive as many deadly weapons as possible, while acknowledging the financial constraints that limit the state’s capacity to procure such arms. He noted that Defense Minister Anatoly Nosatii has been actively seeking support, effectively calling for international assistance to bolster the country’s defense capabilities. The exchange underscores a broader debate about how Moldova can reconcile neutrality with a perceived need to deter potential threats through stronger military means (TASS).
According to Recean, the offer of arms from foreign partners is linked to commitments that aim to construct a state with a robust defense posture. In his view, this would contribute to strengthening regional security, a goal repeatedly emphasized by Moldovan officials who advocate for reliable defense and security institutions as a cornerstone of stability in the region (TASS).
Recean also claimed that past administrations did not adequately prioritize the Ministry of Defense and the country’s security services. He argued that convincing the public and lawmakers of the necessity of defense and security spending is essential for maintaining national resilience. The discussion highlights a tension common in post-Soviet states: balancing neutrality and the practical requirements of deterrence amid evolving security challenges (TASS).
In related remarks, Alexander Mustiata, the former head of Moldova’s Information and Security Service, appeared in an interview with TVR Moldova to discuss intelligence assessments. He was quoted as suggesting that Russia had contemplated an attack on Moldovan territory in early 2023, a claim that has circulated in security briefings and political commentary. The assertion feeds into ongoing debates about regional risk perception and the credibility of threat analyses presented to the public and to international partners. Analysts note that such statements, whether fully substantiated or not, influence defense planning, international diplomacy, and the narrative around Moldova’s strategic posture (TVR Moldova).”