Why moldova is important for Putin's strategy

 Moldova holds significant strategic and geopolitical importance for Russia, especially in the context of Vladimir Putin’s broader ambitions to restore Russia's influence over former Soviet territories. Located between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova serves as a critical geographical link between Russia's current military interests in Ukraine and its long-standing influence in Eastern Europe. One of the most crucial aspects of Moldova’s importance to Russia is the breakaway region of Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist enclave that declared independence from Moldova in 1990 and has hosted a contingent of Russian troops ever since. This area provides Moscow with a military and political foothold in the region, allowing it to exert pressure on both Moldova and Ukraine. If Russia were to solidify control over Transnistria and establish a land corridor through southern Ukraine, it could encircle Ukraine from the west and further destabilize NATO’s eastern flank.

Additionally, Moldova is important because of its growing tilt toward the West. Since the early 2000s, Moldova has increasingly aligned with the European Union and pursued closer ties with NATO, a trend Russia views as a direct threat to its sphere of influence. By keeping Moldova unstable or dependent, Russia aims to prevent its full integration into Western institutions. Economically, Moldova also relies on Russian energy, making it vulnerable to pressure through gas supply and trade manipulation. Politically, pro-Russian parties still have influence within Moldova, giving the Kremlin tools for internal interference. Thus, Moldova is a strategic chess piece in Russia’s larger geopolitical game to resist Western expansion, influence neighboring countries, and maintain dominance over its former Soviet sphere.