The head of the Information and Security Service of Moldova, Alexandru Mustiata, believes that Russia may invade Moldova in 2023 but this will depend on the events in Ukraine.

"The question is not whether Russia will launch a new offensive in the Moldovan direction but when it will happen: in early 2023, January and February, or later, in March, April," Mustiata said in an interview with TVR Moldova.

"Based on the information we have, Russia may go further to create a corridor with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of Moldova. Then we can clearly state that yes, they intend to get up here and connect with Transnistria. What will happen after this? We can discuss their intentions regarding Chisinau but this is a real and very high risk," he added.

Mustiate reminded that the Transnistrian region is home to Europe's largest ammunition depot guarded by the Russians. A hypothetical Russian invasion of Moldova could be linked to the use of these ammunitions in a possible military confrontation.

Later, the Security and Information Service of Moldova published a comment clarifying the words of its leader.

"The director of the ISS noted that the Russian Federation aims to create a land corridor to the Transnistrian region, which remains relevant even today. A new Russia's offensive in this direction may occur as early as 2023. Its implementation also depends on the development of events in the war in Ukraine," it is said in the comment.

As reported, Moldova will turn to Romania for help if the conflict in Ukraine spreads to its territory and relations with Russia worsen.

In late June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will respond to attempts to strike from the territory of unrecognised Transnistria. The head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said that Ukraine is ready to help Moldova with de-occupation of Transnistria.

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