The President of Moldova has urged the international community to intensify economic sanctions against Russia, asserting that the Kremlin shows no willingness to engage in meaningful peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In her remarks, President Maia Sandu emphasized that the current Russian administration lacks interest in halting hostilities. She asserted that a more decisive global response is necessary to address the situation.
“We need to increase economic pressure on Russia. I do not believe that the Kremlin is currently interested in ending the war, nor do I think that President Putin is serious about engaging in substantial peace negotiations,”
Sandu stated. She further highlighted that continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine is essential for restoring stability and peace in the European region.
Sandu also addressed the threat of hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia against various European nations. She called on allies to be prepared to counter these challenges.
Among the primary tools of Russian influence, Sandu identified cyberattacks, digital subversion, information manipulation, and extensive disinformation campaigns, as well as the illegal financing of political parties and electoral campaigns aimed at destabilization.
“Russia employs a wide range of tools, and we must take this seriously and prepare accordingly,”
the Moldovan leader concluded.
In a related development, on May 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the process for residents of the breakaway region of Transnistria to obtain Russian citizenship. This measure allows individuals in the self-proclaimed Moldovan region to acquire Russian passports through an expedited process.
The following day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to this decision, arguing that it serves to designate Transnistria as part of Russian territory. He noted that the Kremlin has two primary objectives in this context.
In her comments, President Sandu indicated that Putin’s decree on citizenship reflects Russia’s need for more personnel for the ongoing conflict. She stressed that the expedited citizenship process is likely intended to facilitate further mobilization of residents from the Moldovan region to participate in the war against Ukraine.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has called for increased international economic pressure on Russia, citing the Kremlin's lack of interest in peace negotiations. She also highlighted the need to address hybrid warfare tactics used by Russia against European nations.