German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized on Tuesday at a conference addressing concerns over increasing Russian influence in the region that supporting Ukraine is crucial for the survival of neighboring Moldova. “Our efforts to assist Ukraine directly contribute to stabilizing Moldova,” Baerbock stated. “The primary concern for the people here is evident: if Ukraine were to fall, Moldova would likely be next.”

Baerbock was in Chisinau for the Moldova Partnership Platform, accompanied by allies from France and Romania. Germany, a key military supporter of Kyiv in Europe, established this platform following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, framing it as part of a larger initiative to stabilize Moldova’s economy and protect it from Russian disinformation.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu highlighted the significant challenges the country faces and called for increased support from partners. “We have condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine from the outset, which has inflicted severe damage on our economy,” Sandu remarked. “The uncertainty stemming from the conflict continues to severely impede our economic progress and will persist as long as the war continues,” she added.