President of Moldova Maia Sandu, who visited the United States last week, said that Ukraine, which is repelling Russian aggression, is also defending Moldova's freedom, although risks to her country remain. The president said this in an interview with CNN.
"Ukraine defends today its own freedom, but it also defends Moldova’s freedom. We are very grateful to the brave Ukrainians, but risks are still there. Even though there is no military threat to Moldova these days, thanks to Ukraine, we are facing a hybrid war, there are attempts by Russia to destabilize the situation in Moldova," she said.
In her words, it should be understood by everybody, that this is not just about Ukraine, this is about Moldova, this is about the region, and "we cannot allow any country not to respect the territorial integrity" and sovereignty of its neighbor. "So, Ukraine should be helped to recover its territory."
Sandu noted that the components of a hybrid war are Russian propaganda, as well as the use of energy resources as a weapon. According to her, Gazprom reduced gas supplies to Moldova by 60%, despite the valid contract and the high price stipulated in it, which Chisinau is paying.
She pointed to the fact that certain corrupt groups in Moldova, together with pro-Russian political forces supported by Russia, organized protests with the aim of destabilizing the country.
According to her, Moldovans have been fighting for democracy for years. At the same time, Moldova continues to be a fragile democracy, she added, noting that its goal is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes, as was promised to the people.
President Sandu was in Washington last week, where she met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and other high-ranking officials. She also received the Madeleine Albright Award for her tireless efforts to promote democracy.
