Zelenskyy warns Europe: Don't let Moldova return to Russia's orbit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Europe "cannot afford to let Moldova return to Russia's orbit."
The president delivered his warning while speaking at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York on September 24.
"Russia is attempting to turn Moldova into what Iran once did in Lebanon, and now, just like then, the international response is insufficient," Mr Zelenskyy said, referring to the upcoming Sunday elections in the country.
"Europe has already lost Georgia to Moscow and cannot afford to lose Moldova as well," he emphasised.
He argued the European Union must provide Chisinau with financial resources and support for its energy sector, as well as upholding human rights. "For Europe, supporting Moldova's stability doesn't require high costs. If the country is lost, however, the price will be much higher."
Earlier, on September 22, Moldovan President Maia Sandu had declared that the country’s European future is "in danger." Ms Sandu warned that if Russia gains control, the "consequences will be direct and dangerous" for both Moldovan citizens and the entire region.
Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean has also stated that the Russian Federation is attempting to subvert the September 28 electoral process through subversive actions and destabilisation plans aimed at taking power in Chisinau. In a recent podcast in Romania, he stressed the elections are "existential and historical" for Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
