Moldova withdrew staff from four Ukrainian checkpoints due to war risks
The Republic of Moldova has withdrawn its Border Police and Customs Service personnel from four joint checkpoints located on Ukrainian territory in order to reduce risks posed by military attacks near the border. Authorities in Chișinău are currently discussing with the Ukrainian side the possibility of having Ukrainian border guards conduct checks on the territory of the Republic of Moldova instead. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, made this announcement during the program "Pe Față" on Moldova 1 TV.
The decision is part of a set of security measures initiated in September, following several incidents on Ukrainian territory near Moldovan border crossings.
"For certain categories of employees whose duties and responsibilities are significantly greater, we are talking about an increase of as much as 20–30%. At present, this measure has been implemented at four border crossing points, and we are in discussions—including with the Ukrainian side—to have representatives of the Ukrainian Border Guard Service operate within the territory of the Republic of Moldova," stated Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
Currently, at the affected locations, Moldovan authorities conduct checks on Moldovan territory, while Ukrainian authorities conduct them on Ukrainian territory. There are exceptions, however—such as at Criva-Mămăliga—where representatives of the Ukrainian Border Guard Service are already operating on Moldovan soil for outbound traffic. They also plan similar control procedures for inbound traffic.
According to the minister, the authorities have already reached agreements with the Ukrainian side on two border crossing points. In the medium term, the authorities may consider extending this to other locations, depending on security risks.
At the same time, the authorities continue setting up protective spaces at border crossing points exposed to risk. These are intended for both staff and citizens present in the area, in the event of further attacks or incidents. "We continue working to ensure the necessary protective spaces. By this, I mean not only protective areas for Border Police and Customs Service personnel on duty, but also for citizens, as such incidents could potentially happen again," stated Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
In addition to setting up shelters, staff at border crossing points are to be equipped with personal protective gear. In this context, the Minister referred to the incident on October 5 at Palanca, when a projectile ricocheted into a scheduled bus, injuring a Border Police officer.
