Moldovan President Maia Sandu has said that Moldova is prepared to receive as many people as necessary, including from Ukraine, if the coming winter proves difficult. She made the statement during her address at the Moldova Security Forum, held in Chisinau on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9.
“This forum asks whether a small country can ensure its own security. A few years ago, few people would have asked this question about Moldova. Today, the answer is clear: Yes. Moldova contributes to Europe’s security. When we talk about how Moldova contributes to Europe’s security, we must start with Ukraine. More than one million Ukrainians have arrived in Moldova since the beginning of the war, and thousands of them have found a home here. If this winter proves to be a difficult one, we are prepared to receive as many people in Moldova as necessary to save them,” Sandu said.
Another issue addressed by the head of state was the Cobasna ammunition depot, where approximately 14,000 tonnes of ammunition are stored, around 20% of which is explosive material kept at various locations.
“A catastrophic explosion must not happen under any realistic scenario,” Maia Sandu said.
She added that experts from the Republic of Moldova had verified Russia’s claims regarding the risks of a potential explosion and had also examined the area surrounding the depot.
The president also said that Russia had sought to turn the Republic of Moldova into “a second Belarus” and use the country’s territory against Ukraine and the European Union.
“Russia wanted to make Moldova a second Belarus and use our territory against Ukraine and against the European Union. Moldovans put an end to this plan at the time of the elections. (…)”
The Moldova Security Forum 2026 is bringing together Moldovan and foreign officials in Chisinau on October 8 and 9. On the first day, participants are discussing Moldova’s role in regional security, defense cooperation and the future of European security.
The event can be followed live on RLIVE.MD or Realitatea TV.