MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Most Moldovan citizens oppose being drawn into militaristic adventures and understand that the West is preparing Moldova, as it did with Ukraine, to become an expendable pawn in a game of geopolitical chess under the guise of European integration, Russian Foreign Ministry Information and Press Department Deputy Director Alexey Fadeev said at a briefing.

"Moldova’s people remain committed to strengthening ties with Russia, protecting historical and cultural unity, and preserving the use of the Russian language despite the authorities’ policies," he said.

"Moldova’s population understands that, under the guise of European integration, the country is being turned into an expendable asset in geopolitical games, following Ukraine, and strongly opposes being drawn into the West’s militaristic adventures," he added.

Fadeev cited a poll published last month, which showed that more than 60% of respondents favor a balanced foreign policy between East and West or even a pro-Russian course, while support for Moldova’s pro-European path was below 30%.

"Chisinau has for years portrayed Moldova’s Soviet period as one of occupation and terror while downplaying its achievements and relying on them due to a lack of its own successes," the diplomat stressed.