Moldovan President Maia Sandu has emphasized the urgent need to address the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Transnistrian region as part of potential agreements to end the war in Ukraine, according to Point. In a recent interview with Pro TV Chișinău, the leader of the country highlighted that the illegal presence of Russian armed forces remains the primary challenge to Moldova’s regional stability.
Sandu reiterated that Transnistria is an integral part of Moldova, and its future is inextricably linked to the nation’s European integration process. She asserted that the fate of Moldova is determined in Brussels, not Moscow, signaling a firm stance against Kremlin’s attempts to maintain a “frozen conflict” in the region. The President noted that the issue of Russian military presence is regularly discussed with international partners, including the European Union, as a critical security concern.
Furthermore, the President addressed the ongoing tensions on the left bank of the Dniester River, where human rights violations, including the arbitrary detention of Moldovan citizens, remain a concern. Although the government continues to engage in dialogue with Tiraspol through OSCE mediation, these incidents illustrate the volatility of the region under the shadow of Russian military influence. Sandu confirmed that the Moldovan authorities are working tirelessly to secure the release of detainees and maintain pressure on the separatist leadership.
As Ukraine and Moldova continue their separate paths toward EU membership, the security environment in Eastern Europe is evolving rapidly. The demand for a peaceful resolution in Transnistria is no longer just a local concern; it has become a necessary component of the broader European security architecture. Sandu’s firm commitment to European values and the rule of law serves as a beacon for other nations struggling to reclaim sovereignty from Russian-backed influence. By aligning with EU standards and distancing itself from Moscow’s leverage, Moldova is asserting its right to determine its own future in a secure, democratic, and unified state. The international community, led by European leaders, must continue to support this integration to ensure the complete removal of foreign military threats from the region.