Moldova and Ukraine Commit to EU Membership Path, Call on Russia to Withdraw Troops from Temporarily Occupied Territories
The Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Maia Sandu, have called on Russia to withdraw its troops from all the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as from the Transnistrian region.
This is stated in a joint statement by the presidents published on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
It is reported that the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova reaffirmed their unconditional support and commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of both states within their internationally recognised borders. The two leaders ‘called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and called on the international community to provide reliable security guarantees for Ukraine’.
Also, at a joint briefing with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Moldova, together with Ukraine, would seek membership in the European Union, as it is not only a path to prosperity but also a contribution to the security of the entire region and the EU.
Sandu noted that Moldova and Ukraine will continue to deepen economic ties, strengthen communication and exchange best practices as they move closer to EU membership.
‘Our European integration is not only a path to prosperity and stronger democracy, but also a contribution to the security and progress of the entire region and the EU. Together with Ukraine, Moldova is promoting reforms, strengthening institutions and modernising its economy in line with EU standards,’ she said.
The Moldovan President also informed that both countries continue to invest in transport links and border crossing points to strengthen the solidarity lanes. According to her, Moldova is looking forward to the day when these lanes will start working to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to rebuild.
Zelenskyy and Sandu condemned Russia's targeted and systematic attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, noting that these attacks threaten Moldovan citizens through violations of its sovereign airspace.
The presidents reaffirmed their support for the Peace Formula, which is the only viable and effective mechanism for restoring a just and lasting peace and ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in accordance with the norms and principles of international law.
The parties agreed on the importance of establishing a special international tribunal to ensure the accountability of the Russian Federation for its war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the statement, Russia's actions call into question its role as a mediator and guarantor in various conflict situations, including the Transnistrian conflict.
Zelenskyy and Sandu showed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to counter further hybrid threats and disinformation, and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in all areas of mutual interest.
The statement emphasises that Ukraine and Moldova are committed to further deepening interstate relations on the basis of mutual trust and respect, openness and comprehensive cooperation for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.
Today, Moldovan President Maia Sandu arrived in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on a working visit.
