Eastern European Countries Uneasy Over 'Putin's Ambition'... Moldova Declares 60-Day National Emergency

Maia Sandu, President of Moldova [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] As Russia invaded Ukraine on the 24th (local time), anxiety among Eastern European countries is growing. With analyses suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin harbors ambitions to restore the glory of the former Soviet Union, concerns are emerging among Eastern European countries that they could be Putin's next target after Ukraine.

On the day Russia's invasion of Ukraine became a reality, the Moldovan Parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency declaration. This was in response to a request from Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova. President Sandu had previously announced that she would request the parliament to declare a state of emergency.

President Sandu described the situation as a national emergency and stated that the government's top priority is the safety of the Moldovan people. She said, "We are calling for the return of all Moldovans in Ukraine," adding, "The borders are open, and related personnel have been increased." She also mentioned the need to prepare to receive refugees from Ukraine.

President Sandu is known for her pro-European Union (EU) stance. In November 2020, she was elected as Moldova's 6th president, defeating then-President Igor Dodon, who had received full support from Russia.

Moldova is a small country situated between Ukraine and Romania.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.