Moldovan authorities to strengthen security measures at border crossing points following incident at Palanca

The authorities will strengthen security measures at border crossing points, particularly the ones located on Ukrainian territory. The actions are being coordinated between institutions and aim to ensure the safe operation of the crossing points, as well as the protection of employees and travelers. Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin today made statements to this effect after the cabinet meeting.

According to the official, authorities are also discussing the withdrawal of employees of Moldovan institutions from the joint-control crossing points on Ukrainian territory and their relocation to the territory of Moldova.

“Additional measures will be taken. At present, we have personal protective equipment, but it needs to be reinforced, including from the perspective of protection against the possible consequences caused by shrapnel. At the same time, work is underway to arrange protective shelters so that, when necessary, both Border Police and Customs Service employees, as well as citizens present at the border crossing points can be evacuated safely,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The minister added that the authorities were currently working to expedite the implementation of the MD-ALERT system.

“We are in the process of drafting the terms of reference, and procurement procedures will be launched as soon as possible. We will insist that these procedures be completed as quickly as possible, but we must understand that they are systems that need to be developed and piloted, even though we are trying to carry out this process as quickly as possible,” Daniella Misail-Nichitin said.

A projectile on October 5 fell in the area of the Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe border crossing point. The object ricocheted and struck a route bus that was stationary near the barrier. Following the incident, a Border Police employee sustained minor injuries. He is currently hospitalized and is in stable condition.