Popsoi Responds to Ozerov: A Neutral State Should Invest More in Its Defense

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi has rejected Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Ozerov’s claims that the West is allegedly preparing Moldova for a confrontation with Russia. According to Popsoi, Moldova is a peaceful and neutral state, and any suggestions that the country is being prepared for an armed conflict should be condemned, Radio Moldova reports. “A neutral state that does not have the support of allies within a defensive alliance must invest much more in its own defense. And these investments are exclusively defensive in nature,” Mihai Popsoi said after a government meeting on September 2. The minister described the Russian ambassador’s statements as unfounded and stressed that Moldova’s investments in defense are exclusively aimed at protection. “This diplomat is probably judging based on his own country’s approach. Moldova directs its investments exclusively toward protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And, as I have already said, Moldova is a peaceful state, so any such insinuations are inappropriate, regrettable and deserve condemnation,” Popsoi said. Last week, Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Ozerov said in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS that Western countries were arming Moldova and preparing it for a confrontation with Russia following the Ukrainian scenario. The Russian diplomat claimed that the authorities in Chisinau were allegedly pursuing a policy of “accelerated militarization”, which he said was driven by the interests of Western countries. Ozerov also claimed that Moldova was allegedly developing components for drones, anti-drone systems and electronic warfare capabilities, while also training drone operators. The ambassador further accused Western countries of strengthening Moldova’s military infrastructure and sending NATO instructors to the country.