Experts: Suspension of military aid to Ukraine increases also risks for the Republic of Moldova
US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine could significantly complicate the situation on the front lines, even though Kyiv currently has some reserves of weapons, according to expert Anatol Țăranu. He says that this development could increase the risk of the Russian army advancing in several directions, particularly toward the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions, which would heighten the danger for the Republic of Moldova.
For the Republic of Moldova, the most dangerous regions are Nikolaev and Odessa. If the Russian army succeeds in advancing in these areas, it could put the Republic of Moldova at immediate risk. Russian generals have previously mentioned their intentions to support military operations in the Transnistrian region, which directly affects the Republic of Moldova. We find ourselves in a situation where risks are increasing, and we must take all possible measures to mitigate these risks, although the Republic of Moldova's capacity to do so is limited, said political scientist Anatol Țăranu.
Political analyst Nicolae Negru claims that if the suspension of American aid to Ukraine is short-lived, its impact on the Republic of Moldova will be minimal. However, if the pause is prolonged, Ukraine's ability to resist could be seriously compromised, which would also heighten risks for Moldova.
"There is currently a danger to our independence and territorial integrity, but this could escalate into an even greater threat. We need to see how European states respond; they have taken on a significant role in ensuring Ukraine's security and advocate for peace. What will Russia decide in this situation? Certainly, this suspension of military aid favors Russia. Will it cease its attacks on Ukraine? I believe the United States acted based on certain emotions that arose following the dispute between Zelensky and Trump,” concluded Nicolae Negru.
Expert Mihai Isac argues that the decision by the Republican administration in Washington to suspend military aid to Ukraine is a “force measure” taken by Donald Trump to respond to domestic electoral pressures.
“In the United States, we are already witnessing the unofficial launch of the electoral campaign for 2026, during which elections will be held for a third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives. Donald Trump continues to play this hardball tactic to exert pressure on both Kyiv and its European allies,” Isac explained.
Regarding Ukraine, Isac claims that the short-term suspension of military aid serves more as a political signal. However, if this situation continues, its effects on the front lines will become apparent. “At this moment, Ukraine still has enough weapons for a few weeks or months, but we need to consider what this suspension means for the maintenance of military systems already in use by the Ukrainian army. We can expect to see steps taken by the Ukrainian side to conserve resources. The Russian Federation has already been preparing to launch a series of offensives, and we anticipate that these will begin as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Isac warns that the consequences for the Republic of Moldova could be severe. “This is a dangerous signal, urging the authorities in Chisinau to seek new ways to anchor themselves within a European security framework. Militarily, this could result in more drones landing on Moldovan territory, as Ukraine will focus on defending strategic targets,” he noted.
Regarding the European Union's reaction, Isac asserts that it cannot compensate for the lack of American support. “The European Union does not have the financial resources to purchase these weapons nor the political capacity to support Ukraine. The European defence industry was not designed to manage a large-scale war within Europe.”
US President Donald Trump announced the decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine until the Kyiv administration demonstrates a “commitment to peace.” This decision was reported by a White House official and covered by international media on March 4.
According to Fox News, this measure does not mean a permanent cessation of military support but rather a "pause," affecting all US military equipment that has not been delivered to Ukraine, including shipments in transit or awaiting transport through Poland.
The Trump administration reviewed this decision, and sources cited by the Wall Street Journal indicate that Washington might also block deliveries from existing US stockpiles. This could jeopardize Ukraine's ability to continue resisting the advances of Russian troops.
Since the war's onset in February 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with military assistance totaling $65.9 billion, as reported by the State Department. Overall, American support for Kyiv, including economic and humanitarian aid, has reached $114.2 billion, according to the Institute for World Economics.
