Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced Russia’s “attempts” at ‘destabilization’ in Moldova, a former Soviet republic. ‘Moldova, whose airspace is regularly violated by Russian drones and missiles, must also confront increasingly uninhibited Russian attempts at destabilization, particularly targeting your country’s democratic institutions,’ Macron said at a joint press conference held at the Elysee Palace with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu, who is considered pro-EU.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized that the world has become more ‘brutal and uncertain.’ He saluted the ‘courage’ of Moldova for ‘bearing the full brunt of the human and economic consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.’ Macron expressed the intention to further strengthen cooperation to enhance Moldova’s resilience against foreign interference, highlighting the letter of intent signed with the French Service for Vigilance and Protection against Foreign Digital Interference (VIGINUM).

He also commended Moldova’s progress since the opening of European Union accession negotiations. Macron assured Moldova of France’s support in achieving their ‘European aspirations,’ while reaffirming France’s unwavering support for Moldova’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Moldova submitted its application for EU membership in March 2022 and gained candidate status in June of the same year. Accession negotiations began in December 2023. Relations between Russia and Moldova have deteriorated in recent years. Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who was first elected in 2020 and won reelection in late 2024, has condemned Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and accused Moscow of attempting to orchestrate her ouster and “destabilize” Moldova, accusations which Russia has denied.