Finland pledges support to Moldova against Russian hybrid threats
Finland will assist the Republic of Moldova in addressing the hybrid war initiated by the Russian Federation.
This statement was made by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during her visit to Chișinău. At a press conference, Valtonen noted that Helsinki anticipates covert hybrid actions from Russia during this year’s parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova.
"We can anticipate covert hybrid actions from Russia in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Finland is ready to share its expertise in responding to such actions. I assure you that we have faced similar challenges in our region. We see the gas supply being cut off and power outages occurring, illustrating how much concern Russia has for people,” Elina Valtonen remarked at the press conference.
According to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, “Gazprom’s decision to halt gas supplies to the Republic of Moldova seeks to undermine your country’s economic and political stability and weaken security throughout the region.”
“Unfortunately, in recent decades, we have witnessed how Russia, through its proxies, including Gazprom, has consistently weaponized energy. I assume the timing of the gas supply interruption, just a few months before the parliamentary elections, is no coincidence. I believe efforts are underway to identify a long-term solution, and we stand ready to assist. Regarding energy sector reforms, I am aware of existing plans that could be advanced, as they would bring significant benefits to long-term energy security," Valtonen added.
She also referred to the recent signing of a joint declaration by Nordic and Baltic countries addressing the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova. The signatories call for cooperation with the European Commission and other partners, expressing their support for Moldova’s energy sector.
Addressing the priorities of the OSCE Chairmanship, Valtonen emphasized progress in the Transnistrian settlement, focusing on fostering dialogue and trust between the parties.
“Finland supports a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Transnistrian conflict in all its aspects, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and the well-being of its population within internationally recognized borders, with special status for the Transnistrian region."
During her visit to the Republic of Moldova, Elina Valtonen is scheduled to meet in Chișinău with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian.
Additionally, in Tighina, the OSCE official will meet with Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselski and the region’s chief negotiator, Vitalii Ignatiev.
The Republic of Moldova joined the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe on January 30, 1992, and signed the Helsinki Final Act on February 26 of the same year.
The OSCE comprises 57 member states across three continents—North America, Europe, and Asia. Each year, one participating state holds the OSCE Chairmanship, with its Minister of Foreign Affairs serving as Chairperson-in-Office. This year, Finland holds the Chairmanship, with Elina Valtonen serving as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
