Romania Openly Stated about Russia's Aggression. Situation in Moldova Is among the Risks

The new National Defense Strategy of Romania considers Russia as a hostile state. This is the first time since the Second World War. The document says "about Russia's aggressive behavior ", "the militarization of the Black Sea region and the hybrid-type actions" implemented by Moscow. Also, the strategy notes “the evolution of Moldova poses a risk due to the change of the geopolitical vector towards east”. The document was published by Radio Europa Liberă. For the first time since WW II, Romania expressed its attitude towards Russia in an official document. “Russia's aggressive behavior” is mentioned in the article “Security Threats”. Also among the 25 risks identified by experts involved in formulating this document were "the lack of transparency associated with Russian weapons deployed in the Transdniestrian separatist region and a longstanding security crisis in eastern Ukraine caused by the illegal annexation of Crimea." Developments in Moldova are also indicated as outside risks due to the prospect of deviating from the European course and tending towards the Euro-Asian course. Decrease in Moldova’s chances of rapprochement with the EU and its inclination towards Russia may affect the country's security. In addition, the Strategy specifies “factors” that may limit Romania’s ability to advance its interests in the EU and NATO, and which may lead to “a change in the decision-making process in strategic areas”. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis submitted the document to Parliament for approval.