David Petraeus warns that the Republic of Moldova could be Vladimir Putin’s next target

Former CIA Director David Petraeus warned in a recent speech that the Republic of Moldova could be Vladimir Putin’s next target, citing the country’s vulnerability and the fact that it is not a NATO member.

Petraeus argued that the Kremlin leader is constantly trying to re-create the Soviet Union, but said that the Republic of Moldova would be more exposed than the Baltic states. “I don’t think Lithuania will be the next country. Moldova is much more likely, because it is much more vulnerable in this regard,” the former U.S. official said.

He also criticized the level of preparedness among European states, saying that none had implemented the major changes needed in defense, security and military tactics.

The statements were made after incidents attributed to Russia near the borders of Ukraine and Poland. A passenger train locomotive on the Kyiv–Warsaw route was hit approximately two kilometers from Polish territory, while a truck near the border was attacked. Poland mobilized its F-16 aircraft without reporting a violation of its airspace. According to some journalists, Petraeus may have been on the train in question.