Ned Price, who leads the press operations at the U.S. State Department, stated that Washington currently does not regard Moldova as facing a direct military threat. This assessment was reported by Russian state outlets and later echoed in statements from U.S. officials who monitor regional security dynamics in Eastern Europe. The Deputy Secretary emphasized that while military confrontation is not imminent, the United States remains vigilant about the broader strategic picture in the region and the potential for destabilizing activities that could affect Moldova’s political stability and democratic processes.
Price underscored Washington’s deep concern regarding reports of a plan aimed at destabilizing Moldova’s democratically elected government, a plan he attributed to the Russian Federation. He highlighted that the United States is actively engaging with Moldovan authorities to reinforce political resilience against long-term interference efforts. The message from Washington is clear: support for Moldova’s democratic institutions is ongoing, and U.S. partners are working to strengthen institutional integrity, civil society resilience, and transparent governance mechanisms as a bulwark against external manipulation.
In reiterating the absence of an immediate direct military threat, the official noted ongoing contact with Moldovan partners to coordinate responses to potential pressures. The United States has expressed strong support for President Maia Sandu and indicated a commitment to sustaining cooperation with the newly formed government as it advances its reform agenda, including governance, anti-corruption measures, and efforts to sustain democratic norms in the face of external pressure.
Meanwhile, Ivica Dacic, Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, met with Moldova’s counterpart Nicolae Popescu to discuss regional security issues. Dacic rejected assertions that Serbian citizens were involved in destabilization attempts and labeled such claims as disinformation circulating in public discourse. The dialogue with Moldova took place at a moment when neighboring states are closely watching developments that could have spillover effects on regional stability, and the discussion covered pipelines, cross-border cooperation, and shared security concerns along the Bucharest Nine framework and broader European security architecture.
Earlier, Moldovan President Maia Sandu had indicated that there were attempts to alter the constitutional order within the republic. The remarks pointed to ongoing internal debates about governance structures, the balance of powers, and the safeguards needed to preserve constitutional order amid external and internal pressures. The presidential statement signaled a readiness to address constitutional questions through lawful processes, while also drawing attention to the potential vulnerabilities that such pressures could expose in Moldova’s political system.
On February 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had handed a Russian document to President Sandu containing a plan aimed at destabilizing Moldova’s political environment. Zelensky’s disclosure was framed as part of a broader pattern of information-sharing among allied states in response to malign influence campaigns. Moldova’s leadership was urged to consider the document in light of its commitments to democratic governance, territorial integrity, and regional security cooperation, with Western partners offering guidance and support to counter destabilization efforts while maintaining constructive dialogue with neighbors.