--- title: "Maia Sandu at the Moldova Security Forum 2026: \"We resist Russia's attacks\"" url: https://moldova1.md/p/87148/maia-sandu-at-the-moldova-security-forum-2026--we-resist-russia-s-attacks- published: 2026-10-08T09:41:58Z language: en author: "Liubomir Guțu" section: "Political" source: moldova1.md --- # Maia Sandu at the Moldova Security Forum 2026: "We resist Russia's attacks" > The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its own defense while simultaneously contributing to regional security by countering cyberattacks and Russian manipulation. This experience offers a valuable lesson, given the risk of escalation in the war the Russian Federation is waging in Ukraine, according to participants at the third edition of the Moldova Security Forum held in Chișinău. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/8e0a0376-5676-4e6b-a4dd-a661bb12beac.jpg) The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its own defense while simultaneously contributing to regional security by countering cyberattacks and Russian manipulation. This experience offers a valuable lesson, given the risk of escalation in the war the Russian Federation is waging in Ukraine, according to participants at the third edition of the Moldova Security Forum held in Chișinău. **The Republic of Moldova: A pillar of regional security** The Republic of Moldova has become a pillar of the regional security architecture and a model of democratic resilience. Its experience in countering cyberattacks, disinformation, and electoral interference offers a valuable guide for Western partners. President Maia Sandu noted that, a few years ago, few would have agreed that the Republic of Moldova could contribute to regional security. Today, however, the answer is clear. "The Republic of Moldova is already contributing to European security, and this contribution begins with Ukraine. We continue to stand firm when Russia attacks our airspace and information space, including when it attempts to influence our elections. What we have learned can save our partners time. What makes Moldova stronger makes Europe stronger," the President stated. The Head of State also described how the Republic of Moldova managed to thwart Moscow's plans to turn the country into a "second Belarus" and use it against Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO. "Moldovans put an end to this plan during the elections. We are witnessing a hybrid war that never rests," declared Maia Sandu. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/3673d973-a933-494f-ba9a-909d4f90a617.jpg) **Every drone comes with a side of manipulation** The Head of State explained to the audience how Russia uses illegal overflights of the country's territory by drones and missiles as a tool for manipulation. Chișinău has recognized this tactic and is working to counter the manipulative messages spread on social media. "*Every drone, every missile that reaches the Republic of Moldova comes with a side of information manipulation. Anonymous Telegram channels claim the danger arises because we are helping the Ukrainians and because our army is preparing to fight someone else's war. Russia sends drones and then blames the victim. This represents a reversal of responsibility—a classic manipulation tactic*," Maia Sandu explained. According to her, the ultimate goal is to discourage Moldovan society from supporting Ukraine and its own defense efforts. "*Despite security threats, a severe energy crisis, and an economy struggling due to the war across the border, we continue to move toward the European Union. We are weathering the energy shock and continuing to strengthen the institutions that will lead us to the European Union*," the Head of State concluded. **The Republic of Moldova: A step ahead of other states** Mark Speich, Secretary General of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, stated that the Republic of Moldova has demonstrated its strength and that other nations can learn from its experience. "We were mistaken to take peace and the dominance of democracy for granted. War has returned to Europe, and Russia is brutally attacking Ukraine. At the same time, hybrid warfare is being waged against several European states—a reality the Republic of Moldova has felt particularly acutely," stated Speich. According to him, election interference, as well as information and cyber attacks, have been constant since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. Consequently, democracies have been forced into a defensive posture—an unpopular stance in European countries, where people have forgotten what military conflict entails. "Governments must find answers to the questions of whether we are more capable and efficient than authoritarian regimes, and whether we can convince the majority of our citizens of this; after all, democracy thrives on the trust of the people," explained the Secretary General of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/c7e78030-5ecc-4c8e-a8b4-2e283d95b222.jpg) **Stronger and safer together** Agne Navickaite, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau, also spoke of the Republic of Moldova as an example that can help EU countries strengthen their own security. *"The Republic of Moldova is on the front line of protecting democracy. It faces external pressure and malicious interference. And we have seen significant progress in precisely this area. We have seen how a democratic society can build resilience and react effectively. It is good that you are discussing the challenges you face. The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its own security while simultaneously contributing to regional security,"* said Agne Navickaite. The NATO representative confirmed that the Republic of Moldova's primary contribution to strengthening the defense of the Eastern Flank is its continued support for Ukraine. *"Security is not built in isolation. Our ability to address shared challenges depends on partnerships, shared experience, and a commitment to working together. Our security and safety depend not only on the choices we make individually but also on the choices we make together. Together, we are stronger and safer,"* Agne Navickaite noted. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/7a034540-4724-4889-9ade-342a3629e2c3.jpg) The Moldova Security Forum is an international dialogue platform dedicated to security challenges facing the Republic of Moldova, the Black Sea region, and Europe; it is organized by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) with the support of over 40 partners from Moldova, the European Union, and the United States. The third edition of the event, held this year on October 8 and 9, brings together nearly 100 speakers from more than 20 countries. The agenda includes discussions on hybrid threats, the war in Ukraine, regional security, drone defense, and democratic resilience. This year’s theme reflects how the Republic of Moldova contributes to both its own security and regional security by strengthening democracy.