Ukraine’s envoy rejects decoupling: Kyiv and Chisinau to negotiate in tandem
Moldova and Ukraine have reached the same benchmark of readiness for European Union accession negotiations. Paun Rohovei, Ukraine's Ambassador to Chisinau, stated that there is currently no intention to separate the two nations’ progress, emphasizing that a "tandem" approach benefits both capitals.
Ambassador Rohovei dismissed talks of "strategic de-linking" during an interview on Moldova 1. He argued that Kyiv and Chisinau gain significant leverage by coordinating their negotiations and sharing technical expertise. "We have achieved our institutional readiness, and Brussels recognizes this," Rohovei noted.
The diplomat warned that separating the two files could expose both states to unpredictable geopolitical risks. While acknowledging obstacles like Hungary’s current stance, he maintained that Ukraine’s wartime resilience and recent economic decentralization have prepared the country for the rigors of EU integration.
Security and the Transnistrian Issue
A "just peace" in Ukraine is seen as the catalyst for resolving the Transnistrian conflict. Rohovei called for a radical paradigm shift, emphasizing that the "5+2" negotiation format is historically obsolete and dysfunctional due to the presence of the Russian Federation.
The Ambassador advocated for the complete demilitarization of the Transnistrian region. This includes the withdrawal of Russian troops and the destruction of the Cobasna ammunition depot. He proposed replacing the current mechanism with an international civilian peacekeeping mission under a democratic aegis.
The meritocracy debate
While both nations applied for membership and received candidate status in 2022, some European circles have debated decoupling the dossiers. Proponents of separation argue that Chisinau’s smaller scale should allow it to bypass the uncertainties of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
However, Ambassador Rohovei remains convinced that maintaining a united front is essential for regional stability. He concluded that Ukraine’s experience in resisting Russian aggression will eventually serve as a cornerstone for the security of the entire European continent.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
