Ukraine is holding Russian forces away from Moldova, Sandu says

Moldovan President Maia Sandu visited Kyiv on 26 April for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with both leaders marking the anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster and discussing security, regional cooperation, and EU integration.

In a post on X, Sandu said she was in Kyiv for talks with Zelenskyy and would travel to Chornobyl “to honour those who gave their health and lives for Europe.” She added: “Disasters know no borders — neither should solidarity. Moldova stands with those who build, not destroy.”

Chornobyl remembrance sets tone for visit

Speaking after the meeting, Zelenskyy said he was “glad to welcome” Sandu to Ukraine on a day dedicated to remembering the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, according to a statement on his official Telegram channel.

He said the tragedy demonstrated “colossal solidarity and self-sacrifice” that helped protect Ukraine, Europe, and the world from a larger nuclear catastrophe.

Zelenskyy also drew a parallel between Chornobyl and Russia’s full-scale war, saying Russia is bringing “catastrophe no less than Chornobyl.”

Focus on security, energy, and EU integration

Zelenskyy said discussions with Sandu focused on security, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure protection, energy, and EU integration, including efforts to open all six EU negotiation clusters quickly, according to his Telegram statement.

He added that Ukraine continues to support Moldova on security matters, including issues related to the Transnistria region, and said both countries aim to deepen cooperation in trilateral formats with Romania.

Zelenskyy also stressed the need for coordinated action among European states in the face of Russian aggression.

Moldova links Transnistria talks to Ukraine’s role

Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv, Sandu said Moldova’s efforts to resolve the Transnistria conflict are tied to Ukraine’s role in containing Russian forces, according to Ukrinform.

Transnistria is a narrow breakaway region in eastern Moldova along the Ukrainian border. It declared independence in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but is not internationally recognized and remains formally part of Moldova.

The area is supported politically, economically, and militarily by Russia, which keeps a small military presence there. The conflict has been frozen for decades, but it continues to shape Moldova’s security and foreign policy, especially in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Ukraine’s biggest contribution is that it keeps the Russian army far from Moldova’s borders,” Sandu said, as quoted by Ukrinform. She added that this allows Moldova to pursue a peaceful settlement process supported by international partners.

Zelenskyy, in remarks cited by Ukrinform, reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while warning that Russia’s presence in Transnistria remains a security threat for both countries.

Ukraine warns of long-term Russian risk in region

Zelenskyy said Russian involvement in Transnistria blocks Moldova’s development and creates ongoing regional risks, according to Ukrinform.

He also questioned the possibility of any future international mechanisms involving Russia in the settlement process, saying Moscow’s presence has historically served to “block normal life” in Moldova.

Both leaders agreed that regional coordination and international support are essential for future stability in the region, according to their public statements.