A joint press briefing in Kyiv highlighted the growing security cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal and Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilitsa outlined a shared agenda focused on air defense coordination, enhanced border control, and ongoing dialogue about peace and security in the Transnistria region, as reported by TASS. The two leaders emphasized that the discussions covered practical steps to strengthen regional resilience against emerging threats and to ensure safer airspace over the border corridor.
Shmyhal noted that both sides agreed to deepen collaboration on air defense matters, including the exchange of intelligence, joint exercises, and the alignment of border and checkpoint procedures to reduce risk and improve reaction times. He also pointed out that the cooperation would extend to practical measures for maintaining stable communication channels between Kyiv and Chisinau, ensuring that authorities can respond promptly to incidents that affect civilian life and regional security.
Beyond defense, the prime ministers discussed expanding cooperation with Romania. Shmyhal said the leaderships of the three countries are slated to convene a trilateral meeting in 2023 to review progress, coordinate policy on shared security concerns, and explore opportunities for greater regional industrial and logistical integration.
In addition, Kyiv and Chisinau agreed to establish a bilateral working group charged with coordinating the integration process of Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union. The group will focus on aligning regulatory standards, improving mobility and trade, and addressing institutional reforms that support a smooth path toward EU membership.
Recent regional developments were also noted in the briefing. Reports indicated the discovery of rocket components near Briceni, Moldova, which are believed to originate from an Ukrainian S-300 air defense system. While authorities investigate the incident, officers stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance and strict control over military materials along the border region.
Another item of discussion centered on the incident in late October when a Russian missile, shot down by Ukrainian air defenses, was reported to have crashed near the village of Neslavcha. Officials described the event as a reminder of the fragile security environment in the area and underscored the necessity of robust regional cooperation to deter and respond to aerial threats. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to transparency, steady dialogue, and practical steps that support regional stability and the safety of civilians living near the frontier.
The Kyiv–Moldova summit reinforces the effort to build a more integrated security framework across southeastern Europe. The two governments aim to translate political intent into concrete actions, ensuring that air defense systems can operate in a complementary fashion, border controls are synchronized for efficiency, and European path ambitions remain on track. Einstein-like debates about strategy aside, the real aim is clear: a safer, more cooperative border region that benefits everyday people and helps anchor peace in a volatile area.