Today, the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine met in person for the first time since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine to discuss strengthening regional security and enhancing the fight against cross-border crime.
During the visit, the ministers, along with the heads of the National Police and Border Police of both countries, inspected the Maiaki-Palanca-Udobnoe border crossing point. They also assessed the security of the Odesa-Reni road and visited an area devastated by missile attacks, where the impact on civilian infrastructure and housing was evident. At the Situational Center in Odesa, the delegation received a briefing on the regional security situation and intervention strategies. The visit also included a stop at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Academy in Odesa, where the Minister engaged in an open dialogue with students alongside the head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernauteanu.
One of the key topics discussed during the visit was improving connectivity between Moldova and Ukraine by developing existing infrastructure, facilitating border crossings, and opening new joint control points. Moldova and Ukraine share a 1,222 km border, with eight of the 67 border crossing points already operating under a joint control regime, making it easier for citizens to travel.
FOR THE MOSTÂ IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ONÂ TWITTER!
In Odesa, Moldova’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, and Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation outlining measures to combat corruption and related crimes. The agreement includes experience sharing, collaboration on specific cases, and joint training of specialists. Strengthening more efficient and transparent institutions, along with reinforcing a common front against abuses, supports both countries’ objectives of aligning with EU legislation and improving living conditions for their citizens.
Additionally, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernauteanu, and the Head of the Border Police, Ruslan Galusca, together with their teams, discussed concrete actions with their counterparts to accelerate information exchange and implement joint strategies to counter security threats, including criminal networks, cybercrime, illegal migration, and trafficking of people, drugs, and weapons.
Today’s meeting between Moldova and Ukraine provided a comprehensive understanding of the realities on the ground and the challenges both countries face. The visit to the border allowed the ministers to directly observe the crisis’s impact, identify solutions for reconstruction and regional security stabilization, and prepare for potential post-conflict scenarios. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a safer future, where citizens benefit from improved conditions and partnerships drive change and development.
Moldova reiterated its full solidarity with Ukraine and its people, who continue to resist Russia’s war of aggression. The two countries agreed on the imperative to sustain practical assistance to Ukraine to create the conditions necessary for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, as well as for strengthening Europe’s security.
At the same time, Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to completing the European integration process, acknowledging the progress made alongside Ukraine in implementing the necessary reforms for EU accession.