By interfering in the politics of Moldova and Georgia, Russia seeks to draw both nations back toward Moscow and undermine EU integration goals.
Moldova
Moldova votes on EU membership amid internal divisions, economic struggles, and an intense Russian disinformation campaign.
Russia poses no imminent threat to Transnistria, but it will continue to try to destabilize Moldova ahead of its presidential elections.
Ukraine and Moldova EU bids face opposition from countries like Hungary and stiff requirements on institutional reform.
There is danger that the military assets Russia controls in Transnistria could be used to create a second front in the war against Ukraine.
Russian officials said in February 2023 that Ukraine is planning to invade Moldova — an accusation Moldovan officials struck down as a false-flag operation
Russian threats against Moldova have intensified over the past year after Moldova applied for EU membership when Russia invaded Ukraine.