Parliament speaker says Moldova must strengthen defense, align with sanctions against Russia

Moldova must continue investing in strengthening its defense capabilities and align itself with the policies of the European Union, including the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation in the context of the war in Ukraine. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has made statements to this effect, during a show on the public television channel Moldova 1, following the incident involving a drone that fell near the Copanca settlement.

The speaker noted that the incident had occurred against the backdrop of the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and that Moldova, as a neighboring state to the country in conflict, must be prepared for such situations.

“We have, in our immediate proximity, a full-scale war, with all atrocities that a war can bring. It is probably one of the most horrific wars, because we see how far information technologies have advanced and how the face of war has changed. Unfortunately, these incidents keep repeating,” Igor Grosu said.

According to him, the origin of these incidents is linked to the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine.

“The origin of these incidents is the Russian Federation, whose leader got it into his head that he can restore an empire. For this sick idea, atrocities are committed every day: children and elderly people are being killed and civilian infrastructure is being destroyed,” the parliament speaker said.

Referring to the drone found near the locality of Copanca, Igor Grosu specified that it posed a danger because it was equipped with explosives.

“It was an explosive-laden drone. It was by chance that there was no detonation when it fell. It is good that our sappers intervened in time. They are professionals; they removed the payload, deactivated it and destroyed it under safe conditions,” Grosu said.

The speaker criticized those who treat such incidents with irony and stressed that national security must not be viewed superficially.

“As for those who make jokes about such incidents, I wish they never find themselves in a situation where a drone launched by a sick mind causes serious damage. Until now, God has protected us, but we must invest in defense systems, in monitoring our airspace and in the necessary capabilities,” Igor Grosu said.

According to him, the incident in Copanca was not a planned action against  Moldova, but a consequence of the massive attacks launched on Ukraine.

“There was a massive attack on Odesa. You have seen the devastation caused there. Odesa is very close to Moldova and we must continue to invest in our defense system. Whether we like it or not, this is the reality, especially for a country that has the longest border with Ukraine,” the speaker noted.

Igor Grosu said that diplomatic reactions, including summoning the ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, must be maintained, even if they are not the only response instrument.

“No single instrument is sufficient on its own. The Russian ambassador must be summoned every time, because the state has to show that it has a position. If we did not react, we would create precedents for what Russia is doing not only in relation to Moldova,” he said.

The parliament speaker noted that similar incidents had been recorded in other European countries and that they are part of a tactic to test states’ reactions.

At the same time, the speaker underlined the importance of Moldova’s alignment with the European Union’s foreign and security policy.

“One of our obligations in the process of European integration is alignment with sanctions. If you want to become a member of the European Union and be part of this community, you must align yourself with the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation, in order to discourage the economy that is currently working for the war,” Igor Grosu said.

At the same programme, Igor Grosu called on citizens of Moldova who are in the Russian Federation to seek consular assistance in case of problems and not to sign documents without consulting diplomatic representatives.