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British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said that Moldova must “equip itself to NATO standards” to defend itself against Russian aggression.
In an interview with the British daily Telegraph, Truss said talks were under way to provide assistance to small states, given the ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin “to create a bigger Russia”.
She said the aim of the negotiations was for Ukraine “to be ready to defend itself forever” and that this applies to “the most vulnerable countries” such as Moldova, which is not a NATO member.
“We are currently working on a joint commission with Ukraine and Poland to advance Ukraine’s defense to NATO standards,” Truss told the Telegraph.
Asked if she wants to see Western weapons in Moldova, she said she wants to see Moldova equipped according to NATO standards.
“This is the discussion we have with our allies.”
Asked if these discussions are taking place as Russia poses a threat to Moldova, she said: “Obviously, Putin has made clear his ambitions to create a bigger Russia.”
Moldova and the breakaway region of Transnistria share a 1,200-kilometer border with Ukraine, and concerns have been raised recently that Russia could invade the country.
Earlier this month, European Council President Charles Michel pledged to increase military aid to Moldova.
The Transnistrian region, which includes Moscow-backed separatists, has reported several recent incidents, which have sparked accusations that Russia is seeking to destabilize Moldova and involve it in the war it has launched against Ukraine.
Russia still has about 1,500 troops in Transnistria, believed to hold large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons.
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