VIDEO // Ukrainian president says Ukraine, Moldova moving together towards EU, strengthening their security cooperation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the visit by President Maia Sandu to Kyiv, emphasizing its significance in the context of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

“I am pleased to welcome President of Moldova Maia Sandu to Ukraine. We value this visit on such a special day, when we remember the Chernobyl accident and the colossal solidarity and selflessness of our people, which made it possible to protect Ukraine, the region, Europe and the world from an even greater catastrophe,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the talks had focused mainly on regional security, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure and the energy sector, as well as the shared European path of the two states.

“Today, we focused on security, our cross-border cooperation, the protection and development of infrastructure and energy and we had a substantial discussion about our common path to the European Union. We are working to open all six clusters as quickly as possible and EU accession is becoming a joint success for Ukraine, Moldova and the entire European Union,” the President of Ukraine said.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would continue to support Moldova in the field of security, including regarding the Transnistrian region, and expressed openness to strengthening trilateral cooperation formats together with Romania.

“I personally thank Maia and all of Moldova for the support provided to Ukraine and for the cooperation that strengthens our entire region,” the Kyiv leader added.

President Maia Sandu reaffirmed her firm support for Ukraine during a joint press conference held in Kyiv alongside her counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit takes place against the backdrop of new Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, as well as the commemoration of 40 years since the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe.

The head of state said she was “deeply moved” to be in Kyiv, a city that symbolizes resistance in the face of aggression. She condemned Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian population, expressing Moldova’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.