Ukraine and Moldova EU bids face opposition from countries like Hungary and stiff requirements on institutional reform.
Moldova
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.