The temporary mutiny of the Russian mercenary company Wagner exposed Russia’s weakness, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean claims in an interview with Reuters. He also argued that the Kremlin’s intervention in Moldova’s internal affairs is becoming less and less effective.

The former Soviet republic, which sits between Ukraine and Romania, has repeatedly accused Russia of meddling in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the breakaway region of Transnistria. For its part, Russia denies these accusations.

“What we have seen in recent days is a clear indication of the weakness of the Russian leadership and command of the Russian army,” the Moldovan prime minister told Reuters. “Russia is much weaker than people thought,” Retzean argued from Zurich, where he is ahead of the European Free Trade Area summit in neighboring Liechtenstein, where he is expected to sign a free trade deal.

The mutiny of the head of Wagner caused international surprise. Almost 24 hours later, Yevgeny Prigozhin ordered his mercenaries to return to their bases to prevent bloodshed. His forces shot down aircraft and met no resistance as they advanced toward Moscow, eventually stopping about 200 kilometers from the Russian capital.

The developments may stimulate Ukraine militarily and morally, Retchean estimated. “It is important that there is an even greater commitment from the West to equip Ukraine with everything it needs to defend its territories and expel Russian troops,” the Prime Minister of Moldova emphasized.

Moldova’s government – ​​which aspires to join the European Union by 2030 – has accused Moscow of efforts to undermine the country’s security, including attempted coups, bomb hoaxes, cyber attacks and fake conscription calls. Moscow has repeatedly rejected Chisinau’s accusations of inciting riots.

Retzean argued that Moldova is still being targeted, but Russia’s efforts have become less and less effective. “We don’t get the sense that Russia has given up or scaled back efforts. It’s just that our institutions have improved their capabilities to deal with this hybrid war from Russia,” he said.

In the long term, the Moldovan prime minister said, the resolution of the Transnistria conflict depends on ending the war in Ukraine.

Hundreds of Russian troops are stationed in the area along Moldova’s eastern border with Ukraine, following a war between pro-Russian separatists and Moldovan troops following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“Moldova will resolve the Transnistria issue peacefully,” Retchean stressed. “This is a fundamental principle,” he said and added: “First of all, the area where Russian military forces are stationed illegally should be demilitarized. That will probably happen when the Russians are kicked out of Ukraine.”