Speech by Prime Minister following meeting with Ukrainian counterpart

Dear Prime Minister Koretskyi,

Thank you for today’s discussions, for your openness, and for the partnership between our countries.

For me, the relationship with Ukraine has a deeply personal dimension. I lived and worked in Kyiv for almost 15 years. I raised my children here, built companies, and formed friendships. Ukraine was my second home and will always remain close to my heart.

I was in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, when Russia began its full-scale war, and I remained here for the next four and a half years—until taking up my current position. I know the sound of a diving Shahed drone, the fear during ballistic attacks, and the incredible roar of Ukrainian air defense. I know what it means to hear explosions near your own home. For millions of Ukrainian families, this is their daily reality.

Moldova firmly condemns Russia’s war of aggression and supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We support a just and lasting peace, accountability for the aggressor, and the safe return of deported Ukrainian children. We will continue to provide Ukraine with political, diplomatic, and humanitarian support.

At the same time, the relationship between our countries means concrete projects for citizens and the economy. We are working on developing road and railway corridors for Ukrainian goods, European solidarity corridors, modernizing border crossing points, and expanding joint border controls. These initiatives open up new opportunities for trade, investment, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

We also discussed the situation on the Dniester River—better coordination of water releases, taking into account inflows and the water needs of downstream communities.

Energy security was an important topic of our discussions. We need resilient, interconnected energy systems integrated into the European market.

We want to accelerate the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Moldelectrica and Ukrenergo and advance preparations for the project involving the second circuit of the Bălți–Dnestrovsk power line. This interconnection could add 500 MW to electricity exchange capacity. It is an important step toward strengthening our energy independence and security.

Another factor that unites us is our European future. Moldova and Ukraine have chosen the same direction—toward the European Union. We appreciate the determination with which Ukraine continues its reforms even under wartime conditions, and we are ready to work together so that both countries can advance toward our common European future.

Prime Minister, I want to assure you that Moldova will remain a trusted neighbor and partner of Ukraine.

And, in conclusion, I want to address the citizens of the Republic of Moldova directly.

Dear citizens,

Every day that Ukrainians defend their cities, families, and freedom, they also contribute to the security of the Republic of Moldova. Their resistance allows us to live in peace and build our future at home.

But the war is at our border. We also know what threats to our energy security mean.

Today in Kyiv I also signed a technical-military cooperation agreement with Ukraine. Our airspace has been violated more than 100 times since the beginning of the war. Drones and projectile fragments have fallen on our country’s territory—five on a single Saturday. We cannot ignore these risks. Ukraine has accumulated extraordinary experience—indeed, the best in the world—in protection against drones, including through effective and low-cost technological solutions. We want to learn from this experience and identify solutions to protect our airspace. This is natural cooperation between two neighboring countries.

Moldova is and will remain a peaceful and neutral state. But neutrality does not mean being defenseless. Our duty is to protect the peace and safety of our citizens.

Our relationship with Ukraine also means concrete economic opportunities. We have an energy bridge: electricity flows between our countries in both directions, and we are now discussing deepening cooperation in the gas sector as well. Moldovan Railways earns significant revenues from the transit of Ukrainian goods. We are also working to attract more Ukrainian businesses to Moldova, including in logistics and warehousing—supporting Ukraine while also bringing investment and jobs to our country.

That is why supporting Ukraine is a choice for the security, peace, and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova.

Ukrainians are defending their country and contributing to peace throughout Europe. For their courage, sacrifice, and resilience, we owe them respect and gratitude.

Dear Ukrainians, thank you.

Long live Moldova! Glory to Ukraine!