Moldova's Interior Ministry to launch package of measures to strengthen protection at Moldovan-Ukrainian border crossing points

The Interior Ministry (MAI) has ordered the launch of a package of measures to strengthen the level of protection at Moldovan-Ukrainian border crossing points, located near areas on Ukrainian territory where drone attacks are taking place. The actions are preventive in nature and aim to protect Border Police and Customs Service employees, as well as citizens and carriers in transit.

According to the MAI, the measures provide for the in-house arrangement of protection locations at border crossing points.

“It is planned to identify and set up, near border crossing points, spaces that can be used as shelters in emergency situations. At the same time, a phased development of protection locations is included for sheltering the staff on duty, with their subsequent expansion and fortification. The measures also target the development of layouts for the arrangement and protection of the perimeters of border crossing points, including areas meant for travelers,” the MAI emphasized.

The set of actions includes the development of procedures for evacuating personnel and suspending activities in exceptional situations, including in the event of damage to infrastructure at border points on Ukrainian territory.

“The document covers the development of practical guidelines on how green-border patrols should respond in the event of air attacks. There will also be an assessment and replenishment of stocks of individual equipment and medical kits, as well as the preventive relocation of fuel stocks from high-risk areas. Another measure provides for assessing logistical and equipment needs for managing exceptional situations. Institutions will cooperate with the Defence Ministry, in order to identify solutions for early detection and warning of possible attacks on targets near the state border,” the MAI noted.

The construction and arrangement works have already begun at more border crossing points considered vulnerable and will be gradually implemented at other border points, depending on operational assessments and the level of risks.

“These measures are part of the permanent process of preparing state institutions to manage emergency situations and do not change the operating regime of border crossing points. Their activity will take place under normal conditions. The MAI continues to constantly monitor developments in the region and will adapt protection measures whenever the situation requires it, with the safety of citizens and personnel on duty being the priority,” the institution stressed.

If the specific sounds of unmanned aerial vehicles or explosions are heard, the authorities recommend that the population take shelter in a safe space, avoid approaching windows and follow the instructions of the authorities. Also, if unknown objects or fragments are identified, they must not be touched or moved, and the situation must be reported immediately to the 112 Service.