---
title: "Moldova Security Forum 2026 | Kevin Hamilton: NATO must learn from Moldova's experience under Russian pressure"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/87157/moldova-security-forum-2026--kevin-hamilton-nato-must-learn-from-moldova-s-experience-under-russian-pressure
published: 2026-10-08T11:37:49Z
language: en
author: "Bogdan Nigai"
section: "Political"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova Security Forum 2026 | Kevin Hamilton: NATO must learn from Moldova's experience under Russian pressure

> The Republic of Moldova is no longer viewed merely as a vulnerable state requiring external support to cope with security threats, but also as a partner from which the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) can learn how to counter hybrid warfare. At the same time, Russia is adapting its military tactics and could intensify attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with potential consequences for the entire region.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/505ab61e-090d-43a8-bac7-a39a263593a5.jpg)

The Republic of Moldova is no longer viewed merely as a vulnerable state requiring external support to cope with security threats, but also as a partner from which the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) can learn how to counter hybrid warfare. At the same time, Russia is adapting its military tactics and could intensify attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with potential consequences for the entire region.

Challenges, as well as the contribution of Western partners to Chișinău’s security, were discussed on Thursday, October 8, by officials and international experts gathered at the **Moldova Security Forum 2026**, during the panel titled *“New front lines: How Moldova’s partnerships strengthen resilience and security.”*

**Mihai Popșoi: The Republic of Moldova is stronger, but the threats have not disappeared.**

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The Republic of Moldova has undergone a series of transformations in recent years against the backdrop of regional tensions, noted Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the start of the discussions.

According to the official, Russian pressure has compelled state institutions to enhance their response capabilities, while support from Western partners has strengthened the country's resilience.

The head of Moldovan diplomacy emphasized that developments in Ukraine cannot be separated from the security of the Republic of Moldova or from European security. In this context, repeated airspace violations and attempts at internal destabilization remain among the major challenges facing the authorities in Chișinău.

*"The Republic of Moldova has weathered difficult times, but thanks to unity, the solidarity of the people, and the support of our partners, the Republic of Moldova is stronger and more resilient today than it was a few years ago. What happens in Ukraine affects the Republic of Moldova every day. What happens in the Republic of Moldova and the Black Sea region directly affects Europe. It is no secret that our airspace has been violated increasingly often in recent months. At the same time, however, we are strengthening our capabilities to defend our airspace. Yet, when it comes to hybrid operations, we have faced some of our greatest challenges. It is also in this area that the Republic of Moldova has achieved some of its greatest successes,"* stated Mihai Popșoi. The official noted that the Republic of Moldova was the first state to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, a document that opened new avenues for military cooperation and for countering hybrid threats. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, €120 million has been allocated through the European Peace Facility for medium-range air defense systems, which are set to be procured in the coming years.

*"The European Peace Facility has played a crucial role. This year, €20 million was allocated for medium-range air defense systems—to be procured in the years ahead, as such equipment is not immediately available off-the-shelf. Furthermore, the Republic of Moldova’s investments in defense and security remain on our agenda. We are striving to ensure that the Kremlin’s actions do not cause us to alter the course we have chosen, nor hinder us from addressing with the utmost seriousness the measures we are taking regarding security, airspace defense, and energy security,"* the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

**US Ambassador: "The Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty also entails protecting its airspace"**

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/78ac53f8-5236-4855-b426-6c7511248705.jpg)

Although he has been in the Republic of Moldova for only a few weeks, the new U.S. Ambassador to Chișinău, Joseph Mark Burkhalter, maintains that this period has been sufficient to grasp the local security challenges, as well as the importance of the efforts being made to address them.

Speaking at the **Moldova Security Forum**, the American diplomat addressed threats that transcend land borders—ranging from drones violating airspace to cyberattacks and attempts to interfere in elections. Burkhalter affirmed Washington's support for Chișinău’s efforts, noting that the Republic of Moldova's sovereignty must be respected in all its dimensions.

"I was appointed ambassador here and have been in the country for a few weeks; it didn't take long to understand the importance of what you aim to achieve. An increasing number of unauthorized drone overflights, cyberattacks, and attempts at electoral interference—none of this is acceptable for any nation. The U.S. does not accept this either, and I want to state something very clearly on behalf of the United States: the U.S. supports the democracy, independence, and territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova! Let me explain how we define territorial sovereignty—just as the Republic of Moldova does: it is not merely about the land itself, but also about what lies above it—the airspace. We take this matter very seriously," stated Joseph Mark Burkhalter. The ambassador noted that, over the years, the United States has invested billions of dollars in strengthening the Republic of Moldova's institutions, critical infrastructure, and energy security. He also dismissed the perception that Washington lost interest in Chișinău while the ambassadorial post remained vacant.

According to the diplomat, American engagement must continue through projects and closer cooperation between security institutions, given that threats could become increasingly aggressive.

*"Let us continue these efforts! Let us continue collaborating on airspace surveillance, crisis response measures, regional information sharing, and the coordination of activities between defense and civilian institutions. I can only assure you that our adversaries—and we know who our adversaries are—will become much more aggressive, but they know that we know who they are,"* the US ambassador stated.

**Kevin Hamilton, NATO: The Republic of Moldova is no longer merely a beneficiary of security but contributes to building it.**

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/07176bca-29ef-4ce0-85fa-e033c80627ac.jpg)

The experience gained by the Republic of Moldova in countering cyberattacks, disinformation, and other forms of hybrid warfare is significant, including for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

According to Kevin Hamilton, the Alliance’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, the relationship with Chișinău goes beyond the assistance provided for institutional modernization and the strengthening of defense capabilities.

The official emphasized that the Republic of Moldova, in turn, contributes to Euro-Atlantic security through the experience it has gained in directly confronting pressure from Russia. Hamilton noted that this cooperation takes place with due regard for the Republic of Moldova's constitutional neutrality and that NATO does not seek to influence its strategic choices.

In Hamilton's view, Moldova's experience managing hybrid pressures holds practical value for Allied nations. The official reiterated that constitutional neutrality is not an obstacle to strengthening ties with NATO and that the Alliance does not aim to impose a specific strategic choice on Chișinău. "When it comes to our partners, we no longer speak merely of consumers and providers of security; we increasingly speak of co-production—we produce security together. The Republic of Moldova reflects this trend just as well as, or perhaps even better than, other partners. Given Moldova's neutrality, NATO’s goal is not to dictate strategic choices. The question is how NATO can help bolster the Republic of Moldova's resilience so it can maintain that neutral stance and what Allies and NATO can learn from Moldova's experience on the front lines of practical pressures stemming from Russia. We, too, are learning a great deal from the Republic of Moldova's experience," stated Kevin Hamilton.

The NATO representative noted that current threats transcend member-state borders and cannot be addressed solely through military means. Cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and actions targeting critical infrastructure require institutions and cooperation mechanisms to adapt constantly. Hamilton also highlighted the rapid evolution of methods employed by hostile actors—including the use of artificial intelligence—suggesting that bureaucratic procedures must be adjusted to enable faster responses.

**Dorota Dlouchy-Suliga, EU: "Russian pressure targets not only Moldova but also the European Union"**

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/e71dbbb9-e5cd-4f26-9cf5-2298dde8b88e.jpg)

Dorota Dlouchy-Suliga, Head of the European Peace Facility Division at the European External Action Service, also highlighted this same concept of shared responsibility for security.

The EU representative said that Russia's pressure on the Republic of Moldova is not a series of isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to weaken democratic institutions and shift the country's political orientation. In her assessment, the methods employed against Chișinău are relevant to the entire European Union, not least because certain tactics are tested in the Republic of Moldova first.

"It is important to understand that Russia is constantly increasing and intensifying this pressure; these pressures are becoming increasingly complex, and the events taking place are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, more extensive strategy targeting not only Moldova but also the European Union. These strategies and tactics are designed to undermine these values and alter the Republic of Moldova's trajectory, steering it away from the European Union. Indeed, Russia tests many of its tactics in the Republic of Moldova," stated Dorota Dlouchy-Suliga.

The European External Action Service representative also noted that, among the 27 beneficiaries of the European Peace Facility, the Republic of Moldova ranks second in terms of the volume of assistance provided. "Neutrality does not mean being defenseless. It does not mean the country should not be prepared to defend itself. That is why we support countries through the European Peace Facility. Among the 27 beneficiaries, Moldova ranks second in terms of the volume of aid we provide; we have recently focused on surveillance and air defense capabilities. We are not merely addressing imminent threats but are concentrating on long-term capacity building, as we aim not only to help the Republic of Moldova cope with the next crisis but also to strengthen its institutions for the long haul," explained Dorota Dlouchy-Suliga.

The EU representative linked these investments to the prospect of the Republic of Moldova joining the European Union. According to her, Brussels views the development of Chișinău's security capabilities as a long-term commitment, based on the conviction that the country will become a member of the European community.

"The Republic of Moldova views international cooperation as part of its mission; it is not just about ensuring its own security, but also that of the EU and its partners. I hope that, in the future, the Republic of Moldova will be able to carry out these actions from within the EU family," concluded Dlouchy-Suliga.

**Dorin Recean: "Partners suggested postponing elections due to attacks on electoral systems"**

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/f01277ca-3118-48f8-a5a5-58db6a1e5d6d.jpg)

The war in Ukraine has presented the Republic of Moldova with a series of security challenges—ranging from the need to secure supply routes for its neighbor to countering Russian interference in democratic processes. Former Prime Minister Dorin Recean, currently the President’s special envoy for development and resilience, described these challenges as experiences that helped strengthen the capabilities of Moldovan institutions.

According to Recean, the Republic of Moldova has not only managed to handle external pressures but has also become a partner capable of contributing to the security of other states.

Recean noted that, ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections, the scale of attacks on electoral systems led some international partners to recommend postponing the vote. The former prime minister said the authorities rejected this option and decided to proceed with preparations to hold the elections.

*"I remember very well the period leading up to last year's elections when we learned about the attacks on our electoral systems—we were aware of them, and I can tell you quite frankly that some of our partners said to us: 'Look, you need to postpone the elections; the level of infiltration is that severe.' But we said: 'That is not an option for us; we have to do this!' And, together with our partners, we managed to execute projects that would normally take six months or two years—we succeeded in completing them in record time, a very short timeframe,"* Dorin Recean revealed. The former prime minister also discussed the Republic of Moldova's contribution to supplying Ukraine after the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Recean highlighted the use of railway infrastructure, transport routes, and the Giurgiulești port, noting that they played a significant role in maintaining the neighboring state's logistical links.

At one point in 2022, more than a quarter of the fuel destined for Ukraine transited through the territory of the Republic of Moldova, he added.

*"We did everything possible to help Ukraine with those supply chains, with infrastructure, railways, and the Giurgiulești port. And I want to mention that, at one point in 2022, more than 25% of the fuel supplied to Ukraine passed through the Republic of Moldova. So, this joint project between us and Ukraine—decoupling from the Russian power grid—was crucial, and it actually happened in a very short time,"* Recean stated.

Regarding the Transnistrian region, the former prime minister pointed out that the authorities in Chișinău had reduced the associated security risks despite pressure from Russia. According to his assessment, the region should no longer be viewed as a major threat to stability, but rather as a potential source of incidents. 

**Olexandr Mischenko, Ukraine: The security of the Republic of Moldova and Europe also depends on Kyiv's ability to withstand Russian aggression**

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The security of the Republic of Moldova is closely linked to developments in the war in Ukraine, and maintaining international support for Kyiv is viewed by Ukrainian authorities as an essential component of regional stability. According to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Olexandr Mischenko, speaking at the **Moldova Security Forum**, cooperation between regional states and Western partners remains a key element, and Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression also contributes to safeguarding European security.

The Ukrainian official thanked the Republic of Moldova for the support provided since the start of the invasion, noting that international solidarity remains a decisive factor in his country's ability to continue the fight.

*"I would like to highlight three fundamental factors that have enabled Ukraine to resist Russian aggression and continue its struggle for freedom and independence: first, the heroism and professionalism of the Ukrainian armed forces; second, the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The third factor is continued international support for Ukraine. All these factors are deeply interconnected, and if any one of them were to disappear, the entire security architecture enabling Ukraine to resist would be put at risk,"* stated Olexandr Mischenko.

In his remarks, the Kyiv government representative emphasised that international partnerships have not only a political dimension but also directly influence Ukraine's ability to protect its population and infrastructure. According to him, foreign assistance has contributed to the modernization of the defense industry and the development of drone production—technologies that have become crucial in curbing the Russian military advance.

Mischenko stated that this cooperation must be strengthened, particularly regarding the protection of cities against air strikes, as Russia continues to exert pressure on civilian infrastructure.

"The level and timeliness of international support can make a fundamental difference, reducing the number of Ukrainian lives lost—both on the battlefield and in our cities—due to missile and drone attacks. Thanks to international support, Ukraine has significantly expanded and modernized its defense production, especially regarding drone capabilities. We have seen its impact on the battlefield. For two years, the front line has remained remarkably stable, despite massive Russian military efforts. Vast resources were poured into their offensive operations, yet we managed to halt them thanks to our drones," the Ukrainian deputy minister stated.

The official also warned of the risks of the approaching cold season, noting that Moscow has repeatedly tried to use attacks on energy infrastructure to undermine Ukrainian society's resilience. "We have a very simple message. Ukraine is the bulwark of our collective defense against a common threat. Ukraine is part of the European security community, and by defending itself, it simultaneously defends Europe's security. All capitals share this understanding: Chisinau, London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, and Washington. Our task is to ensure that unity in confronting Russian aggression does not waver. We must remain united and determined until the rule of law prevails over force, and until we restore an international order where the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every state are respected as a global principle of peace and security," stated Olexandr Mischenko.

**András Rácz, security expert: Russia is adapting its tactics, and a new wave of refugees could follow**

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/91d5b839-b7f1-42c8-ab5f-34c1878cbf33.jpg)

However, threats to regional security remain, and Russia continues to adapt its military and hybrid strategies. András Rácz, Deputy Director for Research and Scientific Affairs at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, warned that Moscow's actions against the Republic of Moldova are not isolated incidents but part of a broader regional strategy aimed specifically at achieving Russia's objectives in the war in Ukraine.

According to him, Russia began its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure about five weeks earlier than in previous years, suggesting an intention to cause significant damage before the onset of cold weather.

*"Russia has studied the experience of its campaigns targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine in great detail. They have now begun attacking energy infrastructure five weeks earlier than in previous autumns. Why? Because they want the energy infrastructure to be in ruins by the time the winter cold sets in. Russia is learning too, so what can we expect? More strikes—more intense and more concentrated—against energy and road infrastructure,"* stated András Rácz.

The expert also discussed Ukraine's energy capacity, estimating it at approximately 13–14 gigawatts—less than a third of pre-war levels.

In his view, the intensification of bombardments, combined with a harsh winter, could trigger a new wave of refugees. ***

The **Moldova Security Forum 2026**, the third edition of this security dialogue platform, is taking place on October 8–9 at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău.

The event brings together a record 700+ participants and nearly 100 speakers from more than 20 countries, including President Maia Sandu, Moldovan ministers, and representatives from NATO, the EU, Ukraine, and the USA.

The central theme is strengthening democratic resilience in Europe and the Black Sea region against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats.