Moldova warns: Russia threatens all of Europe
Supporting Ukraine is essential for the security of the whole of Europe, said the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, at the "Ukraine – Southeast Europe" summit held on June 11 in Odessa.
President Sandu warned that Russia would continue its aggression in other countries, including the Republic of Moldova, if not stopped in Ukraine.
"If Ukraine falls, believe me, Russia won't stop at Moldova," Maia Sandu stated. She noted that international support for Ukraine must become faster and more consistent: "We need to help faster, more extensively. Russia has enormous resources, enormous capabilities. Ukraine receives less and too late. We must reverse this situation. This is our mission."
President Sandu declared that Ukraine is not just a country under attack, but "a cornerstone of European security," and the stakes of the war unleashed by the Russian Federation transcend this country's borders: "It's not just about Ukraine, about its future; it's about the future of the whole of Europe, of the entire world."
President Sandu also spoke about the hybrid attack methods used by Russia: "Lies, manipulation, blackmail, interference in our political systems, distortion of democracy and truth." Maia Sandu added that the Republic of Moldova is similarly targeted: "Moldova knows what hybrid warfare means, what it truly looks like: energy blackmail, fake protests, disinformation, and organized crime disguised as political parties."
Finally, President Sandu appealed for unity and action against the aggression. "We must consolidate together. Otherwise, we could perish together under the yoke of dictatorship, of a dictator who will pave the way for other dictators and will, alongside them, destroy the entire world."
"Together, we can defend Ukraine and, thus, defend our common future. Our future in a united, democratic, and free Europe," Maia Sandu concluded.
At the same summit, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warned that Europe cannot afford to lose Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as this would lead to even more aggressive Russian involvement in other states. According to the Kyiv leader, Moscow plans to conquer Odessa and then reach the border with the Republic of Moldova and Romania.
The Odessa summit brought together leaders from several European states, including the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Among the participants was also Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, in his first visit to Ukraine since the war began.
Trilateral Meeting in Odessa: Presidents of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania Discuss Regional Interconnectivity and Resilience
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, also participated on Wednesday in a trilateral meeting with Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Romania's President, Nicușor Dan. The meeting took place in Odessa, on the sidelines of the "Ukraine – Southeast Europe" summit, and was dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation in a context marked by instability and security risks in Eastern Europe.
"When Chisinau, Kyiv, and Bucharest act together, we can build more than just infrastructure or common projects – we can offer security to our people, hope for a peaceful future, and a clear path toward a united, free, and democratic Europe," said President Maia Sandu.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
