Moldova is no longer seen by the West as a mere post-communist state, but as a crucial strategic pillar for the security and development of Europe, says the Secretary of State of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marcin Bosacki. In an interview for IPN, the diplomat emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has radically transformed the external perception, Moldova shifting from the image of an “obstacle” in the way of good relations with Moscow, to that of a partner directly contributing to the stability and future of the European project.

The official from Warsaw recalled the period two decades ago, when Western knowledge about former communist states, including Poland, was extremely limited. During that time, countries such as Poland or Moldova were often seen as “obstacles” in the way of business between the West and Russia.

The diplomat maintains that this approach fundamentally changed with Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula and the invasion of Donbas (Donetsk and Lugansk regions), followed by the outbreak of large-scale war in Ukraine, in 2022. The courage of the Ukrainian people has redefined the entire region, he says, and today Moldova, along with Poland and the Baltic states, is recognized for its vital strategic position in the face of the greatest threat to European security.

Marcin Bosacki further pointed out that the Central and Eastern European states have proven that they were right in their cautious and suspicious assessment of Russia, unlike their Western European partners who were mistaken.