Lavrov: The European Union is interested in the destruction of Moldova's statehood

Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026

Lavrov suggests Moldova’s EU path involves merging with Romania, prompting debate over national identity and sovereignty.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Sergei Lavrov stated at a Moscow press conference that Moldova’s integration into the European Union, which implies its absorption by the EU, is being discussed, with some suggesting unification with Romania is the shortest path to EU membership, leading to the dissolution of Moldovan statehood. This comment is seen as a response to Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s statement supporting a vote for union with Romania if one were held. While the question of union has been debated in Moldova and Romania since the fall of the Soviet Union, no high-ranking official in Moldova has committed to it. Recent polls show 40% support for unification among Romanians, down from 70% before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while in Moldova, supporters stand at 40%, up from 30% before the war. Moldovan President Sandu asserted that the country must decide between being influenced by the Russian sphere or belonging to the EU, viewing union with Romania as strengthening its EU status. Lavrov responded to this by telling Chisinau that Moscow is willing to negotiate with the EU but believes they are unlikely to agree.


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