Visiting France, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, signed, Thursday March 7, with the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, a defense cooperation agreement, which notably provides for the sending of a French military representative on the spot. Moldova faces increasing pressure from Russia.
What is the importance of this defense agreement for you?
This agreement replaces another, signed in 1998, between the two ministries. This extends to defense policy, training and information technologies. It’s a much broader framework.
It is not a security agreement like the one between France and Ukraine. This is a first step, to help strengthen the security of Moldova and the region. Today we feel safe thanks to the resistance of the Ukrainians, but Europe – not only Europe, but also all countries that value respect for their borders – should understand that Vladimir Putin must be stopped. If we want peace, we must help Ukraine in any way we can.
Do you think that Europeans are aware of the issue?
I believe many now understand that Vladimir Putin will not stop. We must move faster, find a way to be more effective in supporting Ukraine, better explain the situation to our fellow citizens; because if we don’t do it now, the cost later will be higher for everyone.
Should European troops be sent there?
This decision is not mine. We know that today Ukraine needs weapons, financial support, that is what we must focus on. There is nothing more important for our continent today than helping Ukraine resist and win this war.
Is Moldova facing increasing threat and aggressiveness from Russia?
As long as Ukraine resists, there is no pressure on us, but of course Russia continues to try to undermine our institutions, to destabilize our country, and this includes the energy sector, malicious emails , cyberattacks, vote buying in elections, disinformation, propaganda. This interference increases as we move towards integration into Europe and take significant steps forward.
Was the recent “call” from the authorities of Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist enclave in Moldova, asking for “protection from Russia”, a destabilizing maneuver, in your opinion?
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