President Maya Sandu stated today that he sees no danger of war in Moldova, while Russia is at war in Ukraine, despite Russian attempts to destabilize its country.

In a speech to parliament, Sandu hailed Ukraine for standing up to Russia since Moscow invaded a year ago and urged Moldovans to unite behind the former Soviet republic’s bid to join the European Union.

“There is no danger of war in Moldova as long as Ukraine is fighting”the president said from the floor of the Parliament.

“I want to assure our citizens that Moldova is now in no danger of war. The Russian military can’t get here as long as Ukraine is holding out – and (consequently) protecting Moldova. We are grateful to the Ukrainians for their bravery and love of freedom.”

Moldova, a small country of 2.6 million people wedged between Ukraine and Romania, faces many problems – including an energy crisis, growing poverty and social tensions – that have been exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The Moldovan president repeated accusations, which Moscow denies, that Russia wants to destabilize Moldova.

Sandu noted that Russia, which has troops based in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria, will continue to try to destabilize its country “from within” and praised law enforcement agencies for thwarting efforts to sow chaos.

In recent weeks, Moldovan authorities have arrested numerous alleged pro-Russian activists who authorities said were trying to enter the country. There were also several demonstrations organized by a pro-Russian party in the capital, Chisinau.

“As long as I am president, Moldova will endure,” said Sandu, who became president in 2020.

“In 2030, Moldova should become a member of the European Union”, he stressed, adding “I urge all political forces to put EU membership above all interests and support this movement unconditionally”.