New invasion coming? Russia conducts reenactment of Soviet invasion of NATO neighbour

While all eyes are fixed on the situation in the Middle East, things are heating up in Eastern Europe.

What is happening?

In a provocative display, Russia’s military conducted a large-scale reenactment of the 1944 Iași–Chișinău offensive, a decisive Soviet operation during World War II.

The manoeuvres took place near Moldova’s border in the Security Zone along the Dniester River, with participation from separatist forces in Transnistria.

Simulated Historic Breakthrough

The display featured tanks, artillery, and a range of military vehicles emulating the Soviet advance that opened up the Balkans in WWII.

Live-action drills and pyrotechnic effects were used to mimic battlefield intensity, creating a chillingly realistic scenario.

“Unmistakable Message” to NATO

Military analysts interpreted the spectacle as a calculated warning aimed at NATO.

Analysts further believe the reenactment to be a demonstration of power, as well as an attempt to destabilise the region.

Moldova Caught in the Crosshairs

Officials in Moldova, a non-NATO country situated between Ukraine and Romania, accused Moscow of trying to destabilize the region and undermine Moldovan sovereignty amid heightened tensions across NATO’s eastern frontier.

Transnistria is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.

Russia’s Regional Foothold

The breakaway region of Transnistria, home to a pro-Russian separatist regime, remains a flashpoint.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has previously warned that Moscow intends to boost troop levels there from 1,000 to 10,000, dramatically raising the stakes.

Geopolitical Ripples Beyond Ukraine

While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO officials see this latest move as part of a broader campaign.

The Kremlin’s focus extends to the Western Balkans and other peripheral states, where it employs hybrid tactics to sow discord and influence.

Putin Targets Romania and Bulgaria in Blame Game

President Putin has publicly cited Romania and Bulgaria’s NATO memberships as provocations.

In his view, these expansions contributed to the geopolitical climate that sparked the war in Ukraine, framing NATO growth as a direct threat to Russian security.

Kremlin Propaganda Film Fuels Narrative

Putin’s message was echoed in a recent Russian state TV documentary, Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years.

Using archive footage, the film features the Russian leader lamenting NATO bases in Romania and Bulgaria, claiming they prompted Russia’s militarized stance.

“They Did Not Respond Appropriately,” Putin Says

In the documentary, Putin states that Western leaders ignored Russia’s concerns.

“They heard us, but did not respond appropriately,” he claims—suggesting that their inaction directly led to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Rejects Russian Rhetoric

Romania’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Putin’s accusations outright.

Spokesman Andrei Țărnea stated that joining NATO was a sovereign decision made by the Romanian people and posed “no threat to anyone”.