Moldova will not permit Russia to use its territory against Ukraine, stated Sandu.

Russia is once again attempting to use Transnistria to destabilize Moldova. However, the country is prepared to defend its security and cooperate with Ukraine to resolve the crisis.

This was stated by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by a correspondent from RBK-Ukraine.

Sandu noted that Russia is trying to provoke social and economic chaos, as well as escalate tensions along the Dniester River, in order to establish a pro-Russian government in Chișinău.

She emphasized that the ultimate goal of these actions is to strengthen the Russian military presence in Transnistria and to use Moldova against Ukraine.

"Rest assured, Moldova will resist," Sandu stated.

She assured that the country will remain a reliable neighbor and an unwavering supporter of Ukraine.

Sandu also mentioned that to avoid an energy crisis, which could lead to new security threats, Moldova and Ukraine will work together with the EU to protect citizens on both sides of the Dniester from Russian blackmail.

"President Zelensky and I discussed the solution to ensure that this energy crisis does not turn into a security crisis. Moldova and Ukraine will collaborate with the EU to protect people on both banks of the Dniester from Russia's blackmail," she emphasized.

Additionally, Sandu highlighted the shared commitment to the peaceful reintegration of Moldova, which entails the withdrawal of Russian troops illegally stationed on its territory.

It is worth noting that today the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, arrived in Kyiv. She mentioned that she came to Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

It should also be noted that since January 1, Ukraine has halted the transit of Russian gas to Europe and Moldova. This has severely impacted the unrecognized Transnistria, which is occupied by Russia and relies on Russian gas. Gas from the Russian Federation was also used in Transnistria for electricity production at the Moldovan GRES, which supplied electricity to Chișinău.

Previously, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to assist Moldova in addressing the energy crisis in Transnistria.