Mihai Popsoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview for Fox News that the Republic of Moldova has been the country most affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine, after Ukraine itself. Despite the immense pressure, he stressed that Moldova has emerged more resilient thanks to strong partnerships, particularly with the United States.
Popsoi highlighted that Moldova welcomed over one million Ukrainian refugees since the start of the invasion and continues to host around 100,000 people — roughly four percent of the country’s population. “We offered access to healthcare, education, and the labor market — as any good neighbor would do,” the minister noted.
Russian Interference: “The entire playbook was used against us”
The Foreign Minister said that Russia attempted to undermine Moldova’s democratic processes through a wide range of illicit tactics, including illegal campaign financing, cryptocurrency transactions, bank transfers from sanctioned Russian institutions, paid media, and networks of Kremlin-linked organizations.
“The aim was to use the tools of democracy to undermine democracy itself in the Republic of Moldova,” Popsoi stated. He emphasized that Moldovan institutions and society have shown “remarkable resilience” in the face of these threats, supported by strong international cooperation.
A Strong Security and Energy Partnership with the United States
Popsoi underlined the depth of Moldova’s strategic partnership with the United States, pointing to significant progress in border security, cyber defense, and energy resilience.
“Our security is stronger thanks to the support of the United States,” he said. A recent cybersecurity audit, conducted with U.S. assistance, identified vulnerabilities but also provided insights valuable to American partners. “They learn from our experience so that such risks never reach them,” Popșoi added.
He also noted that U.S. investments in regional infrastructure — including in Moldova — contribute to a safer region and position the country as a reliable energy transit partner for Romania and Ukraine.
On Ukraine: “Everyone wants peace, but it must be peace through strength”
Commenting on prospects for ending the war in Ukraine, Popsoi said that a durable peace depends on credible security guarantees. “The Kremlin understands strength. Peace through strength is the approach that works,” he said.
The minister praised the courage of the Ukrainian people and emphasized that no nation desires peace more urgently than Ukraine, which faces daily attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.
“Ukraine, Moldova, the Baltic states — we are sovereign nations, and only our people have the right to decide our future,” Popsoi concluded.