Ukraine pledges to keep Russian forces out of Moldova
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has vowed that his country will not allow Russian aggression to reach the borders of Moldova.
In a video call to Moldovan ambassadors on Wednesday, Kuleba said that Ukraine remains a steadfast ally and friend of Moldova and thanked the country for hosting Ukrainian refugees.
"Russian aggression against Ukraine is a direct danger for the Republic of Moldova," Kuleba said. "Over the past 18 months, you have felt this on several occasions."
He pointed to the remnants of Russian missiles that have fallen on Moldovan territory, the power cuts that followed the massive bombardment of the Ukrainian energy system, and Moscow's attempts to sow discord and instability in Moldova.
"I am happy to congratulate you with the failure of all these malicious attempts," Kuleba said.
He stressed that Ukraine will continue to fight to ensure that the war never reaches Moldova's borders.
"We are interested like nobody else in your security and prosperity," Kuleba said. "Ukraine will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders."
He also called for the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and munitions from the Transnistrian region and the replacement of the military peacekeeping mission with a civilian one under an international mandate.
"Rest assured that Ukraine is your ally and friend," Kuleba said. "We continue the fight to ensure that Russian aggression never reaches your borders, that Ukraine and Moldova remain free. Our victory will bring decades of peaceful development not only for us, but also for you."
