The former Soviet republic of Moldova, bordering Ukraine, faces increased pressure from Russia as the Ukraine war intensifies. Moldova, celebrating its 35th year of independence, has become a vital route for Ukrainian grain exports.
Stanislav Secrieru, national security advisor to President Maia Sandu of Moldova, spoke to Fox News Digital. He emphasized the threat Russia poses by targeting Ukrainian-Moldovan border infrastructure. This impacts Ukraine’s economy and its export pathways to Europe.
In August, Russia began striking Ukraine’s border infrastructure along the Moldovan frontier. With Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea under attack, Moldova has offered a transit route via its territory, reducing rail transit fees by half to help facilitate the movement to Romania’s ports.— Stanislav Secrieru
On November 25, 2025, Moldovan police found a Russian drone in their territory. Numerous drones were spotted, with one crashing in the Floresti district. These routes are crucial for sustaining Ukraine’s economy and exports, according to Secrieru.
President Maia Sandu reported that five Russian drones violated Moldovan airspace on a day before the country’s independence celebrations. She described these actions as attempts at intimidation.
The Moldovan Foreign Ministry shared concerns on X about the ongoing violations due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Secrieru noted that August witnessed 17 airspace violations, the highest since Russia’s full-scale Ukraine invasion began in February 2022.
During Moldova’s Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined President Sandu. He acknowledged the common challenges both nations face due to Russian aggression.
Russia is trying to affect our lives in Ukraine and yours in Moldova, aiming to cause as much difficulty as possible for Romania. Yet, we will prevail. I’m sure of it.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Both Moldova and Ukraine submitted EU membership applications after Russia’s 2022 invasion. The conflict and Russian actions in Moldova complicate their EU membership aspirations.
Recent activities by Russia, following a visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, have raised concerns about possible escalations with NATO members, especially in the Baltics.
Russia also maintains influence operations in Moldova, aiming to bolster pro-Russian actors. Around 1,500 Russian troops are stationed in Transnistria, a breakaway Moldovan region. Ivana Stradner of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that Russia uses hybrid warfare in Moldova to gauge Europe’s response limits.
Moldova could serve as Moscow’s testbed for larger actions in the Baltics.— Ivana Stradner
Baltic nations like Estonia and Latvia are alert to events in Moldova. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted the need for vigilance against possible Russian provocations, stressing the importance of NATO’s caution.
Since independence, Moldova has aimed to strengthen ties with the West. Elections and a recent EU membership referendum have shown significant pro-European sentiment among its citizens.
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