German Foreign Minister: If Ukraine falls, Moldova will be Russia’s next target

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is convinced that supporting Ukraine is also a guarantee for the survival of the neighboring Republic of Moldova.

She said this during a speech within the framework of the Partnership Platform with Moldova; the German Foreign Ministry cites the text of the speech.

Annalena Baerbock promised to continue to stand firm against Russian aggression by supporting Ukraine with weapons, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic efforts.

“For the sake of our Ukrainian friends and their freedom. For the sake of the independence of Moldova and the freedom of Europe. You have made it clear: the biggest threat to Moldova’s economy is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the German foreign minister stated.

“In the shadow of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia was also intending to destabilise Moldova. It turned off the gas flow to Moldova and hugely restricted trade with the country. Inflation rocketed to 30%. Putin had already been working to support separatists,” the statement reads.

Baerbock noted that the war must eventually end through negotiations.

“Through everything we do, we aim to create conditions for Ukraine to live in peace again. However, so far, Russia has responded to every new proposal of steps toward peace with more bombs and more aggression,” Baerbock said.

Baerbock underscores that Ukraine needs a lasting and just peace.

“Not a peace dictated by Russia. Because if such a peace simply gave Russia a break, Putin would use that break to prepare the next attack—and the next target could be us, could be you,” she said, addressing the Moldovan audience.

The Chief of Germany’s diplomacy has previously stated that Russia is waging war on many different levels, with its efforts also targeting Ukraine’s neighbors, including Moldova.

Earlier, during her visit to Moldova, Baerbock said that Germany plans to provide an additional 100 million euros in aid to Ukraine this winter.

Just two months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the start of Putin’s all-out war, Moldova decided to submit an application for membership in the European Union. Since June 2022, the Republic of Moldova has been an official accession candidate.

In December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession talks with the country. In October 2024, Moldova is holding a referendum on whether to anchor accession to the EU as a goal in its constitution.