In an exclusive interview with Euronews’ principal morning programme Europe Today, Mihai Popșoi expressed guarded optimism about US-led peace efforts in Ukraine, condemned Russian assaults, and highlighted Moldova’s objective to join the EU by 2028.
During his maiden official trip to Brussels, Moldova’s Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, declared his confidence in the Trump administration’s sincere intent and commitment towards achieving peace in Ukraine.
The second round of peace talks, facilitated by the US and involving Russia and Ukraine, is set to commence in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
This stage of negotiations will concentrate on a critical issue: the Kremlin’s expansive demands regarding the status of territories in eastern Ukraine, areas partly occupied by Russian forces.
In conversation with Euronews, Popșoi adopted a measured stance on the current developments.
“When rockets continue to fall, children lose their lives, and people endure freezing mornings, establishing a foundation for dialogue requires cessation of such events,” he remarked during the Europe Today broadcast.
The minister attributed the current situation largely to the Kremlin’s lack of constructive engagement, evident in recent devastating attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, and questioned Moscow’s full dedication to the negotiation process.
He commended Ukraine’s steadfast resistance against Russia’s attempts to «undermine the Ukrainian nation,» noting that it has shown remarkable resilience, supported meaningfully by the international community. Nevertheless, he underscored the urgency for a durable, just, and lasting peace.
Although Moldova is neither a NATO member nor an EU state, a factor Popșoi described as generating considerable concern, it remains steadfast in its pursuits.
“The Russian Federation stands alone as the only country consistently violating Moldova’s neutrality,” Popșoi emphasized.
Presently, Moldova is competing to secure EU membership, having set a target to conclude accession negotiations by 2028. To maintain this timeline, the country has been implementing substantial reforms.
“We are undertaking the demanding tasks required,” he affirmed.