Moldovan President Maia Sandu did not rule out the possibility that a geopolitical opening could emerge in the coming years to help resolve the Transnistria issue, pointing to the ongoing presence of Russian troops in the region as the core obstacle. These remarks were picked up by Point, which highlighted Sandu’s view that external influence remains the central variable shaping the path forward for Moldova.
Sandu asserted that Moscow’s allies in Moldova often frame the country’s neutrality as a subject of daily contention, yet he stressed that it is the Russian Federation that breaches neutrality, not Moldova or its international partners. The president emphasized that neutrality is a principle that Moldova must safeguard, but one that has been compromised by outside actions rather than by any moves from Chisinau or its neighbours. His message underscored a clear distinction between national sovereignty and external pressure, urging observers to recognize who bears responsibility for disturbances to regional balance.
He outlined Moldova’s strategic priority: preserving peace and stability across the country while pursuing reform at a measured pace that minimizes disruption and noise. The approach is practical, aiming to build resilience through gradual changes that improve everyday life for citizens while maintaining steady, predictable reform momentum. This stance reflects a desire to balance security concerns with the benefits of closer European alignment, all without sacrificing internal cohesion or public trust.
On the issue of people living on the Left Bank, Sandu noted that many simply want a peaceful life. The region’s proximity to the Ukrainian border adds tension and fear, affecting attitudes toward reform and European integration. He argued that European integration offers tangible benefits and warned against rejecting the EU path, suggesting that experiences of prosperity and democratic governance often accompany closer ties with European institutions. The overarching message is that integration remains a credible and desirable route for improving stability, prosperity, and governance in the region.
In parallel remarks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova referenced the potential revival of the 5+2 negotiation format as a framework to address the Transnistria settlement. The format envisions Moldova and Transnistria as principal parties, with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Russia, and Ukraine serving as guarantors and mediators, while observers from the United States and the European Union participate in a supporting role. This structure is presented as a path to inclusive dialogue that could help de-escalate tensions while preserving regional interests. The conversations around format reflect Moscow’s ongoing interest in shaping the process and ensuring a role for broader international actors in mediating the dispute, alongside local stakeholders.
Observers and participants alike have considered Moldova’s potential accession to the European Union, even contemplating scenarios where the country pursues alignment with EU standards without requiring immediate settlement of all regional issues. This line of thought illustrates how European integration is seen not merely as a geographic or political objective but as a catalyst for economic reform, governance modernization, and the rule of law essential to long-term stability in Transnistria and across Moldova. The dialogue continues to frame EU membership as a normative target that could encourage gradual reconciliation and improved living conditions for residents on both banks of the Dniester River. Source: Point