Europe must not lose Moldova: Zelenskyy warns of looming threat
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
If Europe loses Moldova this year, it will encourage Russia to further interfere in the affairs of Southeast European countries.
This warning was issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the Ukraine Southeast Europe summit.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia has spent the past 30 years trying to keep Moldova in poverty and instability, seeking to bring the country fully under its control.
The president warned that if Europe were to lose in Moldova this year, it would embolden Russia to further interfere in the affairs of Southeast European countries, seizing their resources, undermining their sovereignty, and even attempting to rewrite their history.
Parliamentary elections in Moldova
Zelensky was referring to the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, 2025.
Earlier, the head of Moldova’s intelligence service warned that Russia would attempt to gain maximum control over the Moldovan parliament in 2025.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also confirmed that the Kremlin intends to subordinate Moldova and use it against Ukraine.
Ukraine Southeast Europe summit in Odesa
The Ukraine Southeast Europe summit of countries held in Odesa on June 11 brought together leaders from Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and other Balkan nations.
During the meeting, President Zelenskyy also stated that Russia aims to capture Odesa and move directly toward the borders with Moldova and Romania.
In addition, Zelenskyy announced the development of drones intended to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure from Russian attacks.
After the summit, participating countries signed a joint declaration condemning Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declined to sign the document.
