EditMoscow would like to use Moldova to strike Ukraine, Sandu says
The President of Moldova commented on a New York Times investigation that identified Moldova as the Kremlin’s second priority after Ukraine
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated that Russia may seek to use Moldova’s territory to attack Ukraine and establish a strategic foothold near the European Union. She made the remarks during an interview on Radio Moldova, commenting on a New York Times investigation that identified Moldova as the Kremlin’s second priority after Ukraine.
Sandu emphasized that these Russian plans are not new information for the authorities in Chișinău. According to the president, Moscow aims both to exploit Moldova in the context of the war in Ukraine and to turn the country into a bridgehead for expanding its influence toward the EU.
“Russia interferes everywhere. We are of interest to Russia primarily from the perspective of the war in Ukraine, because Russia would like to strike Ukraine from our side as well – from our border. At the same time, it would serve as a bridgehead toward the European Union,” Sandu said.
The president acknowledged that some citizens have grown weary of repeated warnings about security risks and Russian destabilization attempts. She stressed, however, that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues and that Moldovan authorities must remain mindful of the associated threats to the country’s security.
Moldova has reduced its dependence on Russia
In this context, Sandu highlighted the steps taken in recent years to lessen Moldova’s economic and energy dependence on the Russian Federation.
Around 2010, Russia was a major market for Moldovan exports and imports. Today, its share has fallen to roughly 2–3 percent. “We have succeeded in detaching ourselves economically from the Russian Federation,” the president said, noting that the process was accelerated by Moscow’s embargoes and trade restrictions on Moldovan products.
Reducing energy dependence has been another key objective. Sandu recalled that the Kremlin previously used natural gas supplies as a tool of political pressure on Chișinău. “Every time the Kremlin disliked what was happening in Chișinău, it turned off the gas tap and the country was left in the dark,” she said. Moldova has since diversified its energy sources and significantly reduced its vulnerability to Russian pressure.
Drone incidents under scrutiny
Sandu’s comments come amid several incidents in which drones or debris from aircraft have entered Moldovan territory in connection with the war in Ukraine.
Asked about the possible expulsion of Russia’s accredited ambassador to Chișinău, Oleg Ozerov, in light of these incidents and ongoing destabilization efforts, Sandu indicated that such a step – even if taken – would not automatically compel Moscow to change its behavior.
Authorities in Chișinău continue to monitor the security situation closely, given Moldova’s proximity to the war in Ukraine and to areas affected by attacks.
The article in Romanian by EUalive’s partner NordNews can be found here.
Caption: Moldovan President Maia Sandu arrives for a dinner at the Elysee Palace for Heads of State and Government of the Volunteer Coalition on the eve of the Bastille Day parade, Paris, France, 13 July 2026. EPA/VALENTINA CAMU
Updated: August 18, 2026 - 06:59
