Amiral dr. Romulus HÂLDAN

Abstract. Russia is a power whose military potential is developing fastly. This military potential and its development are the most eloquent expression of Russia’s politics. There are many states that feel this threat but, evidently, Ukraine is already the state that is in full conflict with Russia. The Republic of Moldova is politically besieged and the war is still latent in Transnistria. At any moment the war may cross the Dniester River. Furthermore, if NATO is considered an enemy by Russia, then Romania is considered as being the worst enemy from the NATO member states in Europe. The Russian officials’ statements in this regard are clear and direct, President Putin being the one who leads them. While Romania is a NATO member state and is under the illusory „umbrella” of NATO and of the EU, Ukraine has only useless statements and NATO’s umbrella does not protect Ukraine. Moreover, the fact that Ukraine has not been accepted in NATO is a clear sign that NATO cannot afford to defy Russia. The annexation of Crimeea by Russia has been the clear proof of the fact that NATO and EU ceded to Russia. All the subsequent measures have been just ridiculous. In the same way it has been abandoned also Georgia and Russia has achieved its objectives while NATO and EU remained only with the protests. While Ukraine has at least the military capacity to fight back and survive, the Republic of Moldova is an almost sure prey. While from military point of view there is not much to be done and no help can be received, from political point of view, the Republic of Moldova is still in a fragile orientation towards the West. However, this orientation depends on a few votes and the presidential elections have proved this.
Keywords: NATO, EU, Russia, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Romania, military power, force structures