Former Moldovan Defense Minister Anatol Șalaru says the North Atlantic Alliance must remain united to prevent Vladimir Putin from dividing Europe. Speaking on RLIVE TV’s “Realitatea te priveste,” the former official stressed that Ukraine is also fighting on behalf of the European Union, stopping the Russian leader from annexing additional countries and installing pro-Kremlin governments across the continent.
Salaru argued that Russia cannot rebuild an empire without Ukraine — a key reason, he suggested, behind Putin’s February 2022 invasion. He reminded Moldovans that NATO, unlike the Russian Federation, has never attacked another state or forced any country to join the Alliance.
“Putin’s path to greatness goes through Ukraine. Everything depends on Ukraine and on NATO. If NATO is divided, if it lacks a common purpose, if there is no unity among member states, then Putin has more chances to divide Europe, annex more countries, and place obedient people in European governments who follow Kremlin orders. (…) Russia cannot be an empire without Ukraine. That’s why Ukraine is fighting for Europe, for us, for everyone. That’s undeniable,” Salaru said.
He also urged Moldovans not to fear the idea of closer cooperation with NATO and not to fall victim to Russian disinformation.
“People should stay calm because NATO has never occupied any country. They should learn, be better informed, and not let themselves be fooled by Russian propaganda. If Russia were truly afraid of NATO, it would have protested Sweden’s and Finland’s accession. After Finland joined, Russia withdrew its anti-aircraft units from the border and moved them into Russia and Ukraine. They know that where NATO exists, nothing will happen,” he explained.
Regarding NATO’s support for the Republic of Moldova, Salaru underlined that the Alliance’s presence in the country is diplomatic, not military.
Moldova has been a NATO partner since 1994. Cooperation is grounded in respect for Moldova’s neutrality. The Alliance supports the modernization of national institutions, disposal of pesticides and hazardous chemicals, strengthening of civil protection, improved military medicine and cybersecurity, and joint training exercises involving NATO member-state troops.