Dodon supported Territorial Integrity of Ukraine and Plans to Meet Zelensky

The President of Moldova Igor Dodon for the first time clearly and unambiguously spoke out in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. He expressed hope for a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader in the near future, congratulating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 24 on Independence Day of Ukraine. “I want to emphasize that the Republic of Moldova has always supported and will keep supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Dodon said in a congratulatory message. He added that “the progressive development of good neighborly, friendly relations with Ukraine” remains a priority for Moldova. It should be noted that during the presidential election campaign in November 2016, Dodon, used an ill-considered statement that Crimea belonged to Russia, was actually a persona non grata in Ukraine. During this time, he has never officially met with the Ukrainian president; he was ignored by any Ukrainian delegations or officials who came to Chisinau. There were no meetings even with the Ukrainian ambassador. After the election of Volodymyr Zelensky as the President of Ukraine, Dodon had a chance to restore relations with Kyiv. Immediately after the May elections in Ukraine, Dodon over the phone congratulated Zelensky on his victory and expressed his intention to hold a bilateral meeting. In Kyiv, however, it was repeatedly made clear that the resumption of official contacts is possible only after the unequivocal recognition by the Moldovan president of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Newsmaker