Moldova can mediate Romania–Ukraine tensions
The Republic of Moldova plays a pivotal role in the regional security equation and could emerge as a strategic partner for both Romania and Ukraine.
Romanian political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done stated, during the IN CONTEXT programme on Moldova 1, that although Romania bears major responsibility in the Black Sea region, it is not leveraging its strategic position. He noted that “the Republic of Moldova could help mediate tensions and implement proven policy models.”
“Romania has a profound responsibility toward communities bound by shared language, culture, and history. However, there is little recognition in Bucharest of the strategic importance of Romania’s position. This lack of understanding has persisted over time, and particularly now, when it comes to addressing minority issues. It remains a highly complex challenge,” Done explained.
The political analyst also pointed to Romania’s role as outlined in European Union strategic documents. “We have an EU security strategy that places Romania in a role as guarantor of security in the Black Sea region—implicitly, for both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Yet no one seems to acknowledge that Romania, at present, has yet to resolve its territorial disputes with Ukraine—especially regarding the joint exploitation of the Bystroe Canal. Furthermore, Romania continues to face unresolved issues concerning the Romanian community in southern Bessarabia.”
According to Done, previous diplomatic efforts from Bucharest have been largely ignored by Kyiv. “President Iohannis and the Romanian government have made overtures, including formal statements that were met with little response from Ukrainian officials. Romania must begin a genuine dialogue—despite the ongoing war in Ukraine—because bilateral ties must be reinforced. Each unresolved issue between Romania and Ukraine must be negotiated step by step,” the expert suggested.
He further argued that Chișinău could play an essential mediating role in improving relations between Bucharest and Kyiv, and could contribute to shaping regional policy—particularly concerning minority rights. “The Republic of Moldova could act as a provider of know-how for Ukraine when it comes to protecting national minority rights. I believe that, in the short to medium term, both Romania and Ukraine will identify common ground and foster mutual understanding needed to address these challenges,” Done concluded.
It is worth noting that the “Ukraine – Southeast Europe” Summit, held on 11 June in Odessa, brought together leaders from several European states, including Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. President Sandu emphasised that supporting Ukraine is essential to the security of the entire European continent, warning that Russia would likely extend its aggression to other countries, including Moldova, if not stopped in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this concern, stating that Europe cannot afford to lose either Ukraine or Moldova, as doing so would embolden further Russian aggression elsewhere.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
