Moldova ready to serve as logistics hub for Ukraine’s reconstruction; Maia Sandu: "An investment in our shared resilience"
The Republic of Moldova is prepared to play a significant role in Ukraine's reconstruction, serving as a vital economic and logistical corridor, particularly for the southern regions of Ukraine, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia. President Maia Sandu made this announcement during the fourth edition of the Conference for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, held on July 10 in Rome. She emphasized Moldova's strategic advantages, such as its geographical proximity, secure infrastructure, efficient transportation connections, and a stable, friendly business environment.
Maia Sandu emphasized in her speech that the Republic of Moldova is expanding the Danube port, constructing multimodal terminals, and modernizing the roads and railways that connect the country to Romania and Ukraine.
“We are strengthening electricity connections and cross-border energy security with Ukraine and Romania. Moldova has significantly enhanced its energy security, ensuring that our partners find stability in this regard. We send a clear message to our EU partners: help us accelerate infrastructure projects that connect us to Ukraine and Europe. This is an investment in our collective resilience,” said the president.
She also highlighted the support provided by Moldova since the beginning of the Russian invasion, including hosting refugees, sending humanitarian aid, supporting Solidarity Corridors, and training Ukrainian engineers. Additionally, she stated that Moldova and Ukraine share a common future within the European Union.
“A strong and democratic Moldova is a reliable security partner. Our stability reinforces Ukraine’s stability, just as Ukraine’s resilience strengthens ours,” the president emphasized.
In her address, Maia Sandu called on international partners to provide Ukraine with military, economic, and political support.
“Ukraine is not only resisting; it is also preparing to rebuild and prosper. However, we must be honest: none of this will matter if Ukraine cannot defend itself now. For Ukraine’s reconstruction to take place, it must first resist. To resist, it needs more military support—and it needs it quickly. For Moldova, this is a practical concern. Ukraine is our neighbor, our partner, and a future member of the European Union alongside us,” she continued.
Maia Sandu also warned about security risks in the region. She noted that the Republic of Moldova is approaching parliamentary elections, making it crucial to maintain a secure and friendly border with Ukraine.
“We are facing increasingly aggressive Russian interference; we cannot afford for the 1,200 kilometers of border with Ukraine to become hostile,” Maia Sandu pointed out.
The European Commission announced on Thursday a support package worth 2.3 billion euros for Ukraine, intended for reconstruction after the damage caused by the large-scale invasion by Russia, as reported by Reuters.
The funds include 1.8 billion euros in loan guarantees and 580 million euros in grants, provided by international and bilateral public financial institutions, according to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at a conference in Rome dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction plans.
The Conference for the Reconstruction of Ukraine is being organized for the fourth consecutive year, hosted this year by the Italian government. Previous editions took place in the United Kingdom (2024), Germany (2023), and Switzerland (2022).
