On June 11, 2025, President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova took part in the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit held in Odesa, reaffirming Moldova’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. In a speech marked by urgency and conviction, Sandu underscored that the war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict—it is a test of Europe’s security architecture, democratic resilience, and global moral leadership.
Key Messages from President Sandu’s Address
🔷 Unwavering Solidarity with Ukraine
Sandu recalled the tension in Moldova during the early days of the full-scale invasion when fears of a Russian breakthrough in southern Ukraine put Moldova on high alert. She praised the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people, crediting them with halting Russia’s advance and defending the broader region from the threat of authoritarian expansion.
🔷 War with Continental Consequences
Sandu emphasized that Russia’s war is not just an attempt to redraw borders but an assault on European values and institutions. She warned that if Ukraine falls, Moldova and other neighboring democracies could follow, and authoritarian regimes worldwide would gain confidence to challenge international norms.
🔷 Critique of the West’s Pace and Resolve
The Moldovan leader sharply criticized Western responses to the crisis, calling them too slow, divided, and cautious. In contrast to Russia’s swift mobilization and aggressive strategies, Ukraine receives delayed and insufficient assistance. Sandu urged Western democracies to act decisively, noting that military and economic aid must outpace the Kremlin’s aggression.
🔷 Confronting Hybrid Warfare
Drawing from Moldova’s own experience, Sandu detailed the Kremlin’s hybrid tactics: energy coercion, disinformation campaigns, orchestrated protests, and subversion of democratic institutions. She advocated for enhanced regional efforts to counter such threats and supported a Center for the Prevention of Hybrid Threats, which will be in Odesa.
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🔷 Moldova’s Contributions to Ukraine
Sandu outlined Moldova’s tangible support:
- Trained over 160 Ukrainian deminers
- Hosted more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees
- Facilitated Ukrainian grain exports
- Donated energy infrastructure equipment
- Upgraded roads, bridges, and railways are vital to Ukraine’s current logistics and future reconstruction
🔷 Moldova’s Domestic Front: 2025 Elections
Sandu warned that Moldova itself is a battleground. The 2025 elections will be a defining moment, with Russia actively attempting to sway public opinion, undermine the pro-European course, and use Moldova as a proxy against Ukraine. She called on democratic partners to recognize the strategic stakes of Moldova’s internal political trajectory.
🔷 A Call for Courageous Leadership
Sandu appealed to European and global leaders to overcome hesitation. “We can not build peace on indecision,” she said, urging them to amplify Ukraine’s voice where it goes unheard and to act as moral leaders defending freedom.
Trilateral Meeting: Moldova, Ukraine, Romania
On the summit sidelines, President Sandu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Romanian President Nicusor Dan for a trilateral discussion focused on regional stability and cooperation. Key topics included:
- Regional Security and Resilience: Enhanced coordination against military and hybrid threats
- Strategic Energy Interconnections: Reducing dependency on Russian energy through joint projects
- Infrastructure and Economic Integration: Prioritizing cross-border investments to accelerate development and EU convergence
- Security Cooperation: Strengthening ties in defense, cyber resilience, and institutional reform
President Nicusor Dan’s visit to Chisinau on June 10, ahead of the summit, reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to Moldova and Ukraine, particularly in advancing their EU aspirations and building regional resilience.