Shaheen, Durbin Meet with Moldovan Ambassador

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met with Moldovan Ambassador to the U.S., Viorel Ursu. During the meeting, they discussed continued relations between the U.S. and Moldova and the ongoing Russian threat to Ukraine and the region. Shaheen and Durbin expressed appreciation for the Moldovan people's generosity to Ukrainian war refugees and continued support for Moldova's democracy and security. They also discussed Shaheen and Durbin's recent trip to Romania and Georgia. During their visit, the Senators met with Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă who also raised the threat Putin poses to Moldova, where Russia already occupies a piece of its territory.

"I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Ambassador Ursu today, and to commend President Sandu for her steadfast leadership. Moldova is on the frontlines of Putin's war in Ukraine, which is why continued U.S. support for our partner is fundamental to safeguard U.S. interests and security in the region," said Shaheen. "Because of both its proximity to the war in Ukraine and the threats it is facing domestically from Russia's malign influence, I applaud the Moldovan government and people for their resolute and unwavering defense of democratic values, and their efforts to espouse those ideals to their neighbors throughout Eastern Europe. The U.S. must continue to stand by our partners, who are vulnerable to Putin's belligerence and hegemonic delusions."

"Moldova knows the Russian threat all too well," said Durbin. "In the face of Putin's horrific war in Ukraine, I want to thank Moldovan President Sandu and the Moldovan people for extending a welcoming hand to their Ukrainian neighbors fleeing the war and also express my continued support for the Moldovan democracy and security."

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