Moldovan Officials Comment on Citizens Joining the Ukrainian Defense Forces
Moldovan Defense Minister Anatoly Nosaty revealed on TV that a number of Moldovan citizens have taken the step to join the Ukrainian International Regional Defense Legion. The remark was made publicly on the television channel TV-8. Ministers stressed that these actions were undertaken by individuals of their own accord, aligning with Ukrainian military structures and within the framework of applicable laws. The minister noted that he does not have a reliable figure on how many Moldovan nationals have participated in this effort.
At the same time, President Maia Sandu cautioned about the risk of denaturalization for Moldovan residents who take part in armed conflicts on the side of Russia. In Moldova, mercenary activity is treated as a criminal offense, and official statements emphasize that engaging in such service carries legal consequences.
There has also been denial of progress in political dialogue with Transnistria. After a congress attended by deputies from various levels of the unrecognized region, Moldova has not held further meetings or reached agreement on the so‑called “5+2” format. Tiraspol has argued that the “5+2” mechanism ceased to function effectively following Sandu’s rise to the presidency in 2020.
Observers note that recent developments could affect negotiations between Ukraine and Moldova aboutEuropean Union accession processes, potentially influencing timelines and priorities for both states. The situation underscores ongoing regional tensions and the delicate balance Moldova seeks to maintain amid its security and political challenges.
In summary, Moldova faces a multifaceted set of issues: volunteer participation of its citizens in foreign military operations, concerns over naturalization rules and penalties, and stalled talks with Transnistria that ripple into broader regional stability and European integration considerations. Analysts suggest that government messaging will continue to stress legality and national sovereignty while monitoring the broader implications for Moldova’s EU trajectory and regional security dynamics. These factors together shape how Moldova navigates its internal policy, external partnerships, and the evolving security landscape in Eastern Europe.