President: If Russia’s aggression goes unpunished, security of our citizens will be at risk

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu emphasized that supporting Ukraine is essential not only for defending the country’s sovereignty, but also for maintaining peace and security in the region. The head of state stated that, if Russia’s aggression is not stopped, the threat will also extend to other states, including the Republic of Moldova. The statements were made in an interview with the Hungarian press.

Responding to a question about Hungary’s position on Ukraine and its effects on the Republic of Moldova’s European aspirations, Maia Sandu said it is important for citizens to understand the need to support Ukraine.


“I would like people to understand how important it is for Ukraine to withstand the aggression and defend its sovereignty. But this is not only about Ukraine, it is also about peace in our region and the security of our people. And for Ukraine to withstand the aggression, we must support it,” the president said.


Maia Sandu drew attention to the effects of Russian propaganda, which, according to her, has influenced public perceptions both in Hungary and in the Republic of Moldova, causing some people to blame Ukraine for the war launched by Russia.


“If we do not support Ukraine, the very serious things happening there today could happen to us tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow—to countries that are not as close to Russia but are still located in this region,” the head of state warned.


According to Maia Sandu, combating Russian propaganda must become a priority, as it seeks to justify the war and spread the idea that Ukraine does not want peace.


“Peace is what Ukrainians want most, precisely the people who are bombed every day. But they are not the ones who can decide this. Russia is the one that must stop the war,” the president emphasized.


Asked whether she had discussed this subject with Hungarian leader Peter Magyar and whether he might invoke the effects of the anti-Ukrainian propaganda promoted by the previous government, Maia Sandu said that it is not an easy problem to solve, but that states must become more effective in combating cognitive warfare.


“We must all become much more effective in combating this phenomenon, countering cognitive warfare and understanding our own interests. And our interests lie with the Ukrainians who are resisting and defending their land, so that the Russians are forced to withdraw beyond their country’s borders,” Maia Sandu said.


The president noted that Hungary’s new government has already criticized Russian aggression and expressed its support for Ukraine. At the same time, she remarked that the propaganda previously promoted makes it more difficult to address this issue.

“I have no doubt about this. What I am saying is that, because of the previous propaganda, it is more difficult to address this issue,” Maia Sandu concluded.

President Maia Sandu paid first visit to Hungary on October 23–24, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The head of state attended events marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and held bilateral meetings with President of Hungary András Baka and Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, economic and energy cooperation, the Republic of Moldova’s European path and regional security.