The Government of Moldova had been warned about the risk of a war in the region since last October and preparations for the gloomiest scenarios, including a war, were launched last November , said Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu. According to him, even if the situation in Ukraine represents a large-scale tragedy, the risks for the war to embrace the Republic of Moldova are minimal. The Moldovan authorities at foreign level insist on Moldova’s neutrality status and effort has been made at internal level to prevent any attempt to undermine neutrality, IPN reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu said the Republic of Moldova expects a larger wave of Ukrainian refugees and takes steps to more efficiently manage this reality faced by the country. At the same time, the diplomat voiced hope that the negotiations between the sides will end with a ceasefire agreement in the nearest future and Moldova will avoid a war drama.
“Our hope is that this tragedy will stop and that the military actions will not come closer to the borders of the Republic of Moldova. We will do our best to keep our country outside this hotbed, but we are obliged to brace for all kinds of scenarios. We urge calmness and urge to stop the attempts to divide society, misinformation and war propaganda. We witnessed the attempt to import the pro-war propaganda into the public sphere. It is important not to allow our neutrality to be undermined,” Nicu Popescu stated in the program “Black Box” on TV8 channel.
The official said the whole international community is impressed by the generosity and solidarity of our citizens with the Ukrainian refugees and noted that consistent humanitarian aid will be delivered to Moldova the next few days for managing the flow of refugees. Also, a larger number of foreign officials are expected to visit Moldova.
“The Republic of Moldova is to be visited by the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi. A mechanism of political and also practical solidarity with the Republic of Moldova is to be launched. Aid for the refugees will be delivered,” stated Nicu Popescu.
Yesterday, Lithuanian Government approved a draft resolution tabled by the Ministry of Finance allocating €750,000 in relief aid to the Republic of Moldova. According to official data, over 70,000 citizens of Ukraine have entered Moldova since the war started.
