Oleksiy Arestovich, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Ukraine sincerely considers the Republic of Moldova a friend country and the opening of a new front on the Transnistrian segment of the border is out of the question. Kyiv respects the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Moldova and the only possibility for Ukraine to intervene militarily in Moldova is for Chisinau to ask for such support, IPN reports.
With reference to Transnistrian authorities’ assertions that signs show the provocations in the Transnistrian region were staged by Ukraine, Oleksiy Arestovich said Ukraine does not need a new front on the border with the Republic of Moldova.
“Why should we engage you in a military conflict? The current problems we have along the border are sufficient. We do not need a new front. We do not need to send troops there to fight or to be on guard, as it happens in Odessa or in Vinnitsa region, instead of sending these people to help their comrades in eastern Ukraine. There is one more reason. For us, Moldova is a friend country. We have been good neighbors for hundreds of years. For us, it is unacceptable to violate Moldova’s sovereignty,” Oleksiy Arestovich stated in a program on TV8 channel.
He noted that the Ukrainian army theoretically can offer military support to the Republic of Moldova, if there is an official request in this regard. He also thanked the Republic of Moldova for the assistance offered to the Ukrainian refugees.
“The only way by which Ukraine can offer assistance to Moldova - I say assistance, not an operation - is for the Government of Moldova to ask for support directly. Such an option is possible, theoretically. But the scenario that the Ukrainian troops will enter Moldova’s territory without the country’s consent is excluded. Who would we turn into? Into Russians? We respect your independence and sovereignty. I repeat, Moldova is our good neighbor. You host our refugees and we are grateful to you for this,” said Oleksiy Arestovich.
On Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said in Kyiv that the Republic of Moldova offered humanitarian assistance to the value of €1.2 million to the people in Odessa and Vinnitsa regions. One more package of humanitarian aid, which will consist of medicines and medical equipment, is being prepared.
