INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE Adrian Zuckerman, former US ambassador to Bucharest: "NATO and European countries must assume the protection of the Republic of Moldova against Russian aggression"
"What I believe should be done as soon as possible is an understanding between Moldova and European countries, NATO countries, so that if it is attacked by the Russians, NATO and European countries can provide help. It is the only thing that can prevent an invasion by the Russians," said Adrian Zuckerman, former US ambassador to Bucharest, during an exclusive interview with the publication Cotidianul Md, thus advocating for the integration of the Republic of Moldova into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Regarding the plan for Union with Romania, Adrian Zuckerman did not speak out either for or against, focusing on analyzing the problems that the Republic of Moldova is facing today and that need to be solved. "There is no perfect solution, as I see it. But I believe that, one way or another, NATO and European countries must assume the protection of a small country like the Republic of Moldova against Russian aggression," continued Zuckerman.
The statements were made on the sidelines of the international conference "Rebuilding Ukraine: Security, Opportunities, Investment", organized in Bucharest, between October 22-23, 2026, by the New Strategy Center, a Romanian think tank specializing in security and foreign policy, in partnership with the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Journalist: The Republic of Moldova is completely exposed in the context of the drone war. It does not have any kind of defense system. In return, Romania benefits from a series of solid political-military guarantees conferred by NATO. What could be done at the international level to defend the people of the Republic of Moldova?
Adrian Zuckerman: I think it is a very good idea for the Republic of Moldova to be accepted into NATO and the European Union. I think that Romania and the democratic European countries should support Moldova, even though it is not a member of NATO. When Ukraine was attacked and invaded, many in Europe said that Article 5 says that we only defend NATO members. Yes, it is mentioned that we defend members, but it is not specified that we are not allowed to defend countries that are not members. In this context, in my opinion, it was a big mistake and continues to be a big mistake that we have some discussions with the Russians, because in this way they see that the European countries, respectively the NATO members, have not aligned themselves to defend democracies. And the Russians gain advantages from this situation. It is like a window that is not yet closed, they have a place there, but they are aggressors and they use this window. What I think should be done as soon as possible is an agreement between Moldova and the European countries, the NATO countries, so that if it is attacked by the Russians, NATO and the European countries will provide help. It is the only thing that can prevent an invasion by the Russians. And not only is it the only thing, but it is very fortunate that Ukraine is successful against the Russian invasion.
Journalist: Under these conditions, how do you see the prospect of the Republic of Moldova joining NATO through unification with Romania?
Adrian Zuckerman: I know that there are many discussions and there are constructive discussions in this perspective. There are some considerations that militate for such a Union, there are some considerations that militate against. It is a more complicated situation. As you know very well, there is a problem with Transnistria, where Russian soldiers are still stationed. This problem must be solved. Moreover, Moscow, when it controlled Moldova, displaced many Russians there. Thus, it is difficult to say what would be the best solution. I do not know if there really is a best solution. Whatever you do, there are some risks. There is no, as I see things, a perfect solution. But I believe that, one way or another, NATO and European countries must assume the protection of a small country like the Republic of Moldova against Russian aggression. Exactly what the mechanism is to reach this stage is not clear, i.e. a Union with Romania or the entry of the Republic of Moldova into NATO and the European Union. We must discuss to find the best option, with as few problems as possible. And I know that these discussions have begun and continue.
Journalist: Do you think Romania would easily integrate the Republic of Moldova in the event of unification?
Adrian Zuckerman: Moldova was part of Romania. But things are not the same now as they were many decades ago. There are political issues that need to be resolved. But again, democracy needs to be protected. The Russians are playing very hard there. There are people like Shor and others who are trying to undermine Moldovan democracy. What is the best response to this situation may be different from what will be the best response in a year or two. Discussions need to continue and the best solution must be found that maintains a democratic, pro-Western Moldova.
