Europe Today Moldova Foreign Affairs Minister cautions the EU to be "careful" if negotiating with Russia
Feb 4, 2026
Mihai Popşoi, Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and a pro-EU reformer, speaks about shielding Moldova from spillover of the war. He discusses neutrality, security concerns over Russian forces and munitions, and when dialogue with Putin could be legitimate. He also outlines Moldova’s push to complete EU accession talks by 2028.
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EU Support Underpins Moldova's Resilience
- Moldova relies on EU support to bolster defence, cyber and hybrid-resistance capacities.
- Mihai Popşoi says this external backing has been crucial to national resilience since 2022.
Neutrality Undermined By Russian Presence
- Moldova is constitutionally neutral but faces violations from Russian troops and munitions on its soil.
- Mihai Popşoi urges the international community to pressure Moscow to withdraw those forces for full sovereignty.
Skepticism Over Kremlin's Willingness
- Popşoi expresses faith in US-led talks and the Trump administration's commitment to peace, but doubts Kremlin's constructiveness.
- He frames recent Russian strikes as cynical attempts to terrorise civilians rather than negotiate in good faith.