The Russian Foreign Ministry claims that Moldova is heading towards a conflict with Russia by moving closer to NATO and abandoning neutrality.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zaharova said Moldova is being influenced by Western states to become a NATO military base, which could turn the country into a "second Ukraine". Zaharova noted that Moldova is conducting joint exercises with NATO and abolishing its neutral status. In response, Moldovan President Maia Sandu criticized the accusations, stressing that Moldova is building its European future. Ursula von der Leyen said Moldova's future lies in the EU, without being influenced by Russia's actions.