DISINFO: NATO increases its presence on the western border of Moldova to intimidate Russia
SUMMARY
A new military reality is being formed on the western borders of Moldova. NATO is constantly increasing its strength and armaments, creates secret special forces bases and conducts large-scale exercises on the borders with Russia. The goal of these actions is obvious – to intimidate Russia.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring conspiracy about NATO's presence in Romania. It also induces the idea that this would have a negative impact on Moldova. The article also contains a pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West's encirclement of Russia. Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and NATO is based on respect for Moldova’s constitutional neutrality. The main focus of this cooperation is to support the country’s efforts to reform and modernise its defence and security structures and institutions. NATO is not encircling Russia. Russia's land border is just over 20,000 kilometres long. Of that, less than one-sixteenth (1,215 kilometres), is shared with NATO members. Russia has land borders with 14 countries. Only five of them are NATO members. More on NATO in Moldova here.