VIDEO // President: Priority for Moldova in defense is improving air defense

The priority of the Republic of Moldova in the field of defense is improving air defense. To this end, the authorities are investing their own resources and benefiting from the support of partners, especially the European Union, through the European Peace Facility. President Maia Sandu made the statement in an interview with CaleaEuropeană.ro.

According to the official, amid the war in Ukraine and repeated drone incidents, the authorities in Chișinău are focusing on strengthening security and developing defense capabilities.


“It is true that we have managed to increase the resilience of institutions and of society in general. We have faced massive hybrid attacks. At present, we have a large number of drones flying over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova, and some of them explode on the ground. It is only natural for us to feel unsafe, and I do not think that anyone in our region feels safe as long as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. The national priority in the area of defense is to improve air defense. To this end, the authorities are investing their own resources and benefiting from the support of partners, especially the European Union. This is a significant contribution to our efforts to strengthen air defense,” Maia Sandu emphasized.


The president said that the constitutional neutrality of the Republic of Moldova does not guarantee the country’s security, which makes it necessary to strengthen its own defense capabilities and cooperate with external partners.


“The country’s neutrality is not and has never been a shield, because even before this war began, Russia violated the neutrality of our state by illegally maintaining its army on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, despite the will of the people. Now, obviously, things look even more complicated. We have this provision in the Constitution, so we are obliged to strengthen our own defense system and ensure the protection of our citizens. But constitutional neutrality does not prevent us from having partnerships. We have a close partnership with NATO and NATO member states, and we are grateful to everyone who helps us, especially Romania. Romania is a very important partner for the Republic of Moldova, including in the field of defense,” Maia Sandu noted.


The Ministry of Defense announced that eight incidents involving violations of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova were recorded between October 3 and 9 this year, amid attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Five of them resulted in explosions on the ground.

Since the beginning of this year, 56 incidents involving violations of the country’s airspace have been recorded, while from 2022 to the present, their number has reached 93.

The authorities urge people who identify drones, missiles, or fragments of such objects not to approach or touch them. Cases must be reported immediately to the competent authorities by calling the 112 emergency service.