If there were no war in Ukraine, incidents involving Ukrainian border guards would not occur, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said. The head of government praised the way Moldovan authorities handled the situation, stating during the На грани programme broadcast on Exclusiv TV that Moldovan law applies within the country.
The official thanked Ukraine for protecting Moldova and Europe. At the same time, the prime minister said he understood how difficult it was to make decisions in the neighbouring country amid the tragedies caused by the war.
“The laws of the Republic of Moldova apply within our territory. I believe our authorities took a responsible approach to this matter. At the same time, I want to reiterate that there is a war in the neighbouring country. There are millions of tragedies. And I am grateful to Ukraine for protecting both us and Europe. I understand how difficult it is for them,” the prime minister said.
On October 15, a 49-year-old man from Kyiv attempted to cross the Dniester River illegally to reach his family, who had left Ukraine. He was pursued and assaulted by two border guards from the neighbouring country, who crossed the river and reached an area near the village of Holoșnița in Soroca District.
The Ukrainian border guards were taken into custody by a patrol and escorted to the Cosăuți Border Police Sector. Prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into the illegal crossing of the state border under Article 362 of the Criminal Code.
“Relevant aspects are being discussed through institutional communication channels between the competent authorities,” the Chișinău diplomatic service said in a statement regarding the case.
A similar incident was reported on October 17 near the village of Vasilcău in Soroca District. In both cases, the Ukrainian citizens pursued by border guards applied for asylum in the Republic of Moldova.