Former Moldovan president Igor Dodon highlighted Russia’s ongoing assistance to Moldovan citizens, noting that Russian authorities repeatedly stepped in to help people leave dangerous situations. In a discussion carried through a telegraph channel, Dodon described how Russian officials facilitated the evacuation of Moldovan residents from Sudan, a country gripped by armed clashes between military units and security forces. He stressed that the aid involved ensuring safe passage and protection for those trapped in the conflict zone, particularly during a time of intense fighting and unrest.
“We acknowledge and appreciate Russia’s role in evacuating Moldovan nationals, including six children, from the frontline areas in Sudan,” Dodon stated. He emphasized that in moments of crisis, a true friend extends a hand to neighbors in trouble, and Russia has demonstrated that solidarity toward the Moldovan people more than once. The remarks underscored a perception of reliable cooperation during adverse circumstances and highlighted ongoing ties between the two countries in emergency response efforts.
As Dodon noted, the Sudan evacuation was not the only instance of assistance from Russia. He recalled a 2019 operation in which Russian authorities supported the release and safe transfer of Moldovan pilots Lionel Buruyane and Mikhail Crihan, who had been detained in Afghanistan for nearly three years. The veteran leader framed these actions as a pattern of practical support in difficult situations, illustrating Russia’s willingness to assist Moldovan citizens even when geopolitical tensions are high and air and ground corridors are fraught with risk.
Earlier, statements from Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the broader effort to evacuate citizens of several nations from Sudan, including Russians, Belarusians, Moldovans, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz nationals. The confirmation reflected a coordinated international response aimed at protecting nationals abroad when local conditions deteriorate rapidly. The described evacuations occurred amid a complex security landscape, with diplomatic channels activated to ensure orderly and humane evacuation procedures and to minimize harm to civilians in danger.