Today, the interior ministers of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine met in person for the first time since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, for discussions focused on strengthening regional security and enhancing the management of cross-border crimes.
During the visit, the ministers, together with the heads of the National Police and Border Police from both countries, inspected the Maiaki-Palanca-Udobnoe border crossing. They also assessed the security of the Odesa-Reni road and visited an area devastated by missile attacks, where the impact on civilian infrastructure and housing was evident. At the Situational Center in Odesa, the delegation was briefed on the regional situation and intervention tactics. The visit also included a stop at the MIA Academy in Odesa, where the Minister engaged in an open dialogue with students, alongside the head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu.
A topic analyzed during the visit was the improvement of connectivity between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, including the development of existing infrastructure, facilitating border crossings, and opening new joint control points. Moldova and Ukraine share a 1,222 km border, and of the 67 border crossing points, eight are already operated under joint control, making it easier for citizens to cross the border.
In Odesa, the minister of internal affairs from Moldova, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, and the minister of internal affairs from Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, which includes measures to combat corruption and related crimes, including the exchange of experience, cooperation in specific cases, and joint training of specialists. The development of more efficient and transparent institutions, along with strengthening a common front against abuses, supports the objectives of both countries to align with EU legislation and improve citizens' living conditions.
At the same time, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, and the Head of the General Border Police Inspectorate, Ruslan Gălușca, along with their teams and counterparts, discussed concrete actions to accelerate the exchange of information and joint methods to combat security threats. These include criminal networks, cybercrime, illegal migration, and trafficking of persons, drugs, and weapons.
Today’s meeting between Moldova and Ukraine provided a full understanding of the on-the-ground realities and the challenges both countries face. The visit to the border allowed the ministers to directly observe the impact of the crisis, identify solutions for reconstruction and regional security stabilization, and prepare for the management of potential post-conflict scenarios. It was reaffirmed that only by working together we can build a safer future where citizens benefit from better conditions, and partnerships become a driving force for change and development.
Moldova reaffirmed its full solidarity with Ukraine and its people who are bravely resisting Russia's war of aggression and agreed on the imperative to continue providing practical assistance to Ukraine for creating the conditions for the restoration of a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace for Ukraine and the strengthening of Europe's security.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova once again confirmed its commitment to completing the European integration process, recognizing the progress made alongside Ukraine in implementing the necessary reforms for EU accession.