Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Oct. 8 that Moldova is ready to accept more Ukrainian refugees this winter if Russia escalates attacks, creating another humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Speaking at the Moldova Security Forum in Chisinau, Sandu noted that over 1 million Ukrainians have fled to Moldova since 2022, with around 100,000 remaining in the country. “If this winter in Ukraine is as difficult as the whole world expects, we are ready to receive as many people as need safety,” she said, as reported by Moldovan outlet Newsmaker .
Former Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, now the president’s special envoy for development and resilience, said Moldova is also preparing logistical and energy support for Ukraine, acknowledging the interconnected power grids between the two countries. He added that Moldova cannot supply all of Ukraine’s electricity needs alone but could facilitate deliveries from Romania through its territory .
Sandu’s remarks follow recent Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which caused prolonged blackouts last winter. On Oct. 3, five Russian missiles and drones exploded on Moldovan territory during an overnight attack on Ukraine, prompting Sandu to warn that “Russia’s war is dangerously reaching Moldova.” In response, Moldova announced plans on Oct. 7 to build protective shelters at border crossings with Ukraine .
EU representative Dorota Dlouhi-Suliga said the bloc will continue supporting Ukraine’s energy system, including by supplying generators, but did not confirm a separate plan for countries like Moldova that may face a new refugee influx .
