Moldova approaches ‘breaking point’ over Ukraine war next door

Moldova is approaching 'breaking point' as multiple crises resulting from Russia's war on Ukraine cause serious domestic repercussions, Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told reporters on Saturday (5 March).

Moldova is running out of options to provide enough shelter and care to Ukrainian refugees fleeing across the border and needs additional resources from partners in terms of equipment, financial aid and help with relocating refugees within “hours and days,” Popescu warned.

Tens of thousands of refugees have streamed into Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, straining its social services.

With a population of roughly 2.6 million, Moldova has taken in 237,000 refugees, of whom 113,000 remain on its territory.

“We are by far the most fragile neighbour of Ukraine,” Popescu said, adding that if one compares the number of refugees to the population “, it gets pretty dramatic".

Popescu said he expected those numbers to increase.

“We are approaching the breaking point,” he said, also noting a massive economic hit from the loss of imports from Ukraine, chiefly the port of Odesa, as well as a collapse in investor confidence and cross-border activity.

Popescu pointed towards what he called “pro-war propaganda” backed by Russia and the continued closure of airspace, in addition to weapons proliferation and a growing refugee crisis.

“I can easily look ahead at a lost decade in terms of democratic consolidation and economic development for Ukraine, for Moldova.”

“Moldova is in a very, very tight spot,” he said.

Alongside Ukraine and Georgia, its partners from the so-called Associated Trio, Moldova, applied to join the EU earlier this week.

“We are waiting for an encouraging signal from the EU,” he said.

Moldova applies for fast-track EU membership, joining Ukraine and Georgia

Moldova officially applied for fast-track EU membership on Thursday (3 March), joining Ukraine and Georgia, its partners from the so-called Associated Trio, a week after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.

Moldova did get a down payment of sorts earlier this week, when the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, visited and pledged €15 million “to help manage the immediate crisis.”

At the same time, the country has no intentions to join global sanctions against Russia or take steps to move closer to NATO, Popescu said.

Popescu said this decision is based on its precarious security situation and its neutral military status, enshrined in its constitution.

Transnistria headaches

In addition, Moldova is fractured by the Russia-backed breakaway Transnistria, which demanded recognition of independence on Saturday (5 March). The separatist authorities in Tiraspol announced in a press release that they disagree with Moldova’s request to join the EU.

They also demanded the immediate recognition of Transnistria’s independence, just like Ukraine’s separatist Donbas region before Russia’s invasion.

Some analysts believe that territory could be used as a future staging point in the Russian military's invasion of Ukraine.

Asked about such a possibility, especially from the border region around Odessa, Popescu said Chisinau has been "analysing such risks for several months" and have been "preparing for all scenarios".

Popescu also confirmed the country is seeing an increased amount of disinformation campaigns, partly aimed at "stoking up tensions between our society and refugees".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Moldova on Sunday and is expected to provide reassurances for the country.

Blinken is scheduled to meet with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu on Sunday.

[Edited by Alice Taylor]