VIDEO // Russia tried to destabilize our country and spent hundreds of millions of dollars for this purpose. Moldova resisted, Prime Minister says

The Russian Federation tried to destabilize our country and spent hundreds of millions of dollars for this purpose. Despite this, the Republic of Moldova resisted and is now strengthening its efforts to advance toward membership in the European Union. The statements were made by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan in an interview with CNN in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.


“Russia tried to destabilize our country, spent hundreds of millions of dollars for this purpose and, despite all this, the pro-European forces won. I am so proud that our country managed to resist. In this regard, I believe that the Republic of Moldova is a kind of laboratory for how this Russian information aggression can be countered,” Vasile Tofan said.


The official stressed that Russia is trying to destabilize the region in order to move closer to Odesa and other points of interest, but dismissed the idea of an imminent danger to the Republic of Moldova.


“We do not believe that such an attack is imminent. What I believe Russia is doing is testing NATO countries. Many drones cross the territory of the Republic of Moldova, heading toward Romania. We are seeing similar attacks in Poland as well. Therefore, I believe that Russia is testing reactions. At the same time, we do not consider there to be an imminent threat to the Republic of Moldova in terms of a possible incursion,” the prime minister said.


Regarding the recent drone incidents, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stressed that their number has increased recently and described them as acts of intimidation.


“The truth is that these drone incursions have increased. In August, we had more drones cross our territory than in the whole of 2025. And I believe that such acts of intimidation will continue,” the official said.


At the same time, the head of government said that the Republic of Moldova is focusing its efforts on advancing along its path toward integration into the European Union, but ruled out the possibility of joining NATO.


“Europe is the direction on which we are focusing. The European Union is our national project. We are trying to bring the country into the European Union. For us, the European Union does not only mean access to a large commercial market, but also a security project. As for NATO, we are a neutral country and, for now, intend to remain neutral. Therefore, there are no plans to join NATO,” Vasile Tofan emphasized.


Tofan is visiting New York from September 23 to 26 to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The official will hold several bilateral meetings and deliver a speech before the plenary session of the UN General Assembly.