Diplomacy and military cooperation
Ukraine and Moldova signed a military-technical cooperation agreement on Oct 26 during Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan’s working visit to Kyiv. Tofan traveled to the Ukrainian capital alongside Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Vladimir Bolea, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii, and Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu to discuss various joint projects regarding infrastructure, energy, and security. He and Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders at the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv. Koretskyi said the agreement "opens the way for an exchange of experience" for both nations. The Moldovan government said the prime ministers will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, regional security, and the two countries’ shared European path. I think the recent push by Zelensky to link the two countries’ EU accession processes could slow Moldova’s progress since Moldova advances much faster than Kyiv on all required reforms. Tofan is also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk during his important and official working visit to the capital city.
Air defense and security risks
Tofan stated on Oct 26 that Russia violated Moldovan airspace more than 100 times since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. He said, "We can’t ignore these risks," as Chisinau seeks Ukrainian expertise in air defense to counter Russian hybrid threats. Last week, President Maia Sandu declared a member of the Russian embassy in Moldova persona non grata after a Russian drone violated Moldovan airspace and fell near homes in the center of the country. This follows Russian attacks on Ukraine that have also affected areas near the Moldovan border. The two nations cooperate on regional security and ongoing efforts to counter Russian hybrid threats. Kyiv also proposed expanding cooperation with Chisinau through the demining coalition. Tofan also emphasized that Moldova must seek Ukraine’s expertise in air defense. Tofan wrote on social media that he is in Kyiv to reconfirm Moldova’s support for Ukrainian neighbours and friends while discussing projects in energy and security. I find the situation regarding Russian drone violations and the resulting need for air defense expertise to be an extremely serious matter for Moldova.
