On May 6, the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (colloquially known as the Helsinki Commission) held an official briefing on the subject of Moldova. Panelists at the Congressional event included AFPC Senior Fellow for Russia Stephen Blank, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Eugen Carpov and Eurasian nationalities expert Paul Goble.
Against the backdrop of the current crisis in Ukraine, Moldova has taken on increasing geopolitical significance. Russia now threatens to annex Moldova’s Trans-Dniester region in a fashion reminiscent of its recent absorption of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.
In his remarks before the Commission, Dr. Blank urged greater U.S. military engagement in Eastern Europe via programs that would provide assistance to both Ukraine and Moldova in the formulation of defense strategy. He also advocated further application of economic sanctions against Russia. Both steps, Blank told members of the Commission, were appropriate responses to Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine and necessary to deter further provocations from the Kremlin and additional Russian-driven instability elsewhere in the “post-Soviet space.”
Dr. Blank and Mr. Goble also emphasized that, in light of Russia’s actions, a failure to help Moldova sustain itself would place the entire Balkan Peninsula at risk.