“If we speak on operational levels, nothing has changed since the withdrawal,” Moldovan agreed. “But the political symbolism is a bit weird to have right now,” he added, arguing it risks feeding into Russian “propaganda” about a lack of unity within NATO.
And while Washington seeks to pivot toward Asia, he argued it must take into account how globalized Moscow’s all-out war in Ukraine has become. Russia has increasingly benefitted from support from China, Iran, and North Korea in its war effort.
“We are talking not only about Russia … keep in mind that North Korea sent troops in Ukraine … Iran helped Russia with its capabilities as well,” he said. “We need to see the big picture.”
“Our security is built on trusting our allies as well, and we are very much counting on U.S. support on the eastern flank,” Moldovan added. “NATO is stronger only when all allies are present there.”
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