Moldova is ready to accept Ukrainian refugees in case of a harsh winter — Sandu
Moldova is ready to accept as many Ukrainian refugees as needed if the upcoming winter turns out to be especially harsh due to ongoing Russian attacks. The country's President Maia Sandu assured that Chisinau will continue to support Ukraine and provide refuge to people in need of safety.
Sandu stated this on October 8 during her speech at the Moldova Security Forum in Chisinau. The text of the speech was published on the official website of the President of Moldova.
“If this winter in Ukraine turns out to be as harsh as everyone expects, we are ready to accept as many people as needed to ensure their safety,” — the president emphasized.
Since the start of the war, more than a million Ukrainians have passed through Moldova
According to Sandu, since February 2022, more than a million Ukrainians fleeing the war have passed through Moldova. About 100 thousand people have found temporary or permanent refuge in the country.
The president stressed that assistance to Ukrainian refugees remains an important part of Moldova's contribution to regional security.
Readiness to accept new displaced persons is especially relevant amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Damage to power plants, substations, and heating systems increases the risks of prolonged power and heating outages in the winter months.
At the same time, Sandu did not give specific forecasts regarding the possible number of new refugees and did not announce a separate program for their accommodation. Her statement concerns the country's political readiness to provide assistance if necessary.
Moldova continues to support Ukrainian exports
During her speech, Sandu noted that support for Ukraine is not limited to accepting refugees.
According to her, after Russia blocked Black Sea transport routes in 2023 and repeated restrictions in 2026, Moldova provided Ukraine with the opportunity to use its railway and road infrastructure for exporting goods.
In addition, natural gas can be transported to Ukraine through Moldovan territory via the Vertical Gas Corridor.
To facilitate such supplies, Moldovan authorities have reduced tariffs on transit of grain and gas.
“Ukraine's resilience is also our security,” — Sandu emphasized.
Thus, Moldova views its transport and energy infrastructure as an additional resource for supporting the Ukrainian economy in wartime.
Sandu spoke about the threat of the war spreading
The President of Moldova also drew attention to the length of the common border between the two countries, which is about 1,200 kilometers.
She emphasized that Moldova remains a friendly neighbor of Ukraine, allowing Ukrainian armed forces to focus on countering the Russian invasion in the east of the country.
According to Sandu, Russia sought to turn Moldova into a “second Belarus” in order to use its territory against Ukraine and the European Union.
However, as the president asserts, Moldovan citizens prevented the implementation of these plans through democratic elections.
Nevertheless, the consequences of Russian aggression directly affect Moldova.
Sandu reported that in the last seven days alone, nine Russian drones violated the country's airspace. In September, there were more than twenty such violations.
In addition, Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure led to pollution of the Dniester River, disruptions in water supply, and damage to power lines on which Moldova depends.
According to the president, earlier due to pollution of the Dniester, about 300 thousand residents of the country were without safe drinking water for a week.
Moldova intends to maintain support for Ukraine
Sandu emphasized that Chisinau participates in international efforts to ensure Ukraine's security and hold Russia accountable for aggression.
Moldova is part of the so-called Coalition of the Willing — a group of states involved in discussing security guarantees for Ukraine.
In addition, the country supports the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The president assured that Moldovan authorities do not allow the country's territory to be used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Moldova continues to strengthen its own air defense and cooperation with European partners.
Sandu emphasized that further rapprochement with the European Union is the country's most important long-term priority.
Thus, on the eve of the winter period, Moldova declares its readiness to simultaneously support the Ukrainian economy, ensure transit of energy resources, and provide refuge to Ukrainian citizens who may be forced to leave their homes due to the war.
Based on materials from: President of Moldova, Moldova Security Forum.
