Moldova can respond to Ukraine with similar border restrictions if they are not lifted for Moldovans. “We insisted that the provisions should not be applied to the Moldovan citizens. Otherwise, Moldova will have to institute procedures based on reciprocity. We want to avoid taking such measures,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman said Wednesday.

The foreigners crossing the border with Ukraine, including the Moldovan citizens, must show that they have minimum 4,060 Ukrainian Hrivnas (6,360 lei) on them for a five-day stay in Ukraine

Natalia Gherman said she discussed the issue with her Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kozhara. The Ukrainian side admitted that they published the new provisions concerning border crossing several days ago, following the latest developments in the country.

“I informed my Ukrainian counterpart that such measures applying to the Moldovan citizens are unacceptable. The Ukrainian minister promised to examine every case when Moldovans were stopped at the border. We will continue to discuss this subject within the bilateral dialogue on these areas between experts from the two states,” stated the minister.

From last November, Ukraine has been stricken by large-scale protests staged by the opposition after the government suspended the preparations for the association with the European Union. A number of people, including a police officer, died in the protests that degenerated into rioting.