"Stoyanoglo responded that he would build relationships with all partners, especially with neighbors: Ukraine and Romania. He is confident that he can establish constructive relations with Kyiv. Sandu countered that in Kyiv, "they know that Stoyanoglo is a man of Moscow," and behind him "stands [pro-Russian ex-president of Moldova Igor] Dodon, who says that 'our people are already nearby'," the publication reports.
Sandu asked how he would establish good relations with Ukraine "as president."
"We will develop good relationships with all our development partners. We support Ukraine in the war, we provide them with humanitarian aid, and I am confident that our relations during my presidency will only strengthen. Right now, there are only militaristic statements," Stoyanoglo replied.
Judging by Sandu's response, she did not believe that her interlocutor spoke sincerely.
The discussion also touched on sanctions against the aggressor country, Russia.
According to Stoyanoglo, Moldova, on one hand, joined the sanctions, while on the other hand, it maintained diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
"Sanctions are necessary to stop the war, to avoid financing the production of bombs and tanks. Moldova recognizes the sanctions; otherwise, our entire banking system would be cut off from the rest of the world and would also fall under sanctions. As for gas purchases, we ensured that citizens had gas during the most difficult times and managed to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Do you know how gas reaches Moldova? It passes through Ukrainian territory. What will Ukraine say if we do not join the sanctions?" Sandu explained.
She also noted that during the war in Ukraine, Chișinău was able to "maintain peace on both banks of the Dniester," referring to the unrecognized Transnistria.