Maia Sandu confirmed that the two Moldovan citizens released from captivity in Russian Federation are officers of the Security and Intelligence Service of Moldova. Authorities secured their release as part of an international exchange that included Alexandru Balan, whom they had convicted of treason, later pardoned, and allowed to leave for Belarus.
“The Republic of Moldova secured the release and return home of two Moldovan citizens held in captivity in Russia. Both, as employees of the Security and Intelligence Service, were released and handed over to our authorities as part of an international exchange,” the president stated.
Authorities described the operation as complex and sensitive. The SIS coordinated it with several international partners. Maia Sandu thanked Donald Trump and the administration of the United States of America, as well as authorities from Poland and Romania for their involvement.
“To all our partners—from the United States, Poland, and Romania—I extend my gratitude for their engagement at every stage of the process and for their support to our authorities,” the president emphasized.
Moldovan authorities agreed to a prisoner exchange to secure the release. They freed the two SIS officers in exchange for Nina Popova, accused of acting against Moldova’s interests, and Alexandru Balan, accused of treason in favor of Belarusian intelligence services, whom they pardoned to allow him to leave the country.
Maia Sandu acknowledged that authorities made a difficult but necessary decision: “For our country, this is a gain that cannot be measured by a simple mathematical equation—we brought home two citizens who work for the Republic of Moldova, in exchange for two detainees who worked against it.”
She added that the operation took several months and that officials withheld some details to avoid endangering those involved. The two officers are now on their way home and will undergo full medical evaluations.
“Our priority is to ensure they are healthy and receive any treatment they may need,” Maia Sandu said.