Like all wars, Russia-Ukraine war will end in negotiation: Moldova Foreign Minister

Moldovan Foreign Minister emphasizes need for negotiations to end war in Ukraine, calls out Russia's actions.

Wars usually end on negotiating tables and the war in Ukraine will also end through negotiations, said the Foreign Minister of Moldova Mihail Popsoi on Monday (December 16, 2024).

Speaking to The Hindu exclusively, Mr. Popsoi called out Russia for stationing troops in the Transnistria region of Moldova and said his country has diversified its energy choices and is getting ready to join the European Union. He expressed hope that the intractable positions of Ukraine and Russia will make way for more nuanced and flexible positions and a way out from the territorial logjam will emerge soon.

“Now of course there is a lot of acrimony that have occurred and in this condition, it is difficult to sit on the same table with an adversary that has imposed so much suffering on you and your society. But all wars end at a negotiating table and I think all parties understand that,” said Mr. Popsoi, adding, “eventually it will happen.” Mr. Popsoi said the loss of human lives in the Ukrainian war front is “truly unimaginable” and argued for an end to the conflict in “not too distant future.”

In June, when Switzerland organised a peace summit for the war in Ukraine, it drew a strong reaction from Russia which refused to recognise the meeting as legitimate as Moscow reportedly perceived that the conference was favouring Ukraine.

Such failed attempts highlighted the difficulties involved in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table. “This was an initial step, and it is understandable that in the first encounter you will not have both sides sitting side by side,” said Mr. Popsoi, explaining why Russian and Ukrainian sides refused to negotiate with each other directly or through “proximate dialogue partners”.

The Minister said Moldova has reoriented its economy and energy basket and moved away from Russian energy. “The Republic of Moldova has diversified its energy supply. It has been very difficult but for us it was an existential threat,” said Mr. Popsoi explaining how Moldova has calibrated its relationship with Russia in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“We understand that a decision to solve the conflict will be difficult, but we also understand that this is the only solution that will be acceptable. Peace is something we all need because it will have important positive ramifications for everyone and whatever leverage we can use to contribute of course they will be very welcome,” said Mr. Popsoi, urging major stakeholders in the international order to come forward to solve the conflict.