Moldova is indeed considering the possibility of relocating Ukrainian border checkpoints to its own territory. This was stated by the country's Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniela Misail-Nichitin, who reported that such measures are designed to reduce risks associated with the war in Ukraine and Russian attacks near the Moldovan state border. According to her, Chisinau is already negotiating with Kyiv to have Ukrainian border guards also operate on Moldovan territory and carry out joint control at border crossing points.
Reason: Regular Shelling of Border Areas
The minister explained that the decision is dictated by regular Russian strikes on Ukraine's border regions. Due to this threat, Moldova has already withdrawn its border guards and customs officers from four checkpoints located on Ukrainian territory. Misail-Nichitin emphasized that these are "minimally necessary measures to reduce risks" associated with the war and attacks near the state border, rather than an expansion of the presence of Moldovan forces.
How Joint Control Will Be Organized
According to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, two border points are currently operating based on agreements with the Ukrainian side. In the medium term, she specified, Chisinau will analyze other checkpoints depending on the degree of risk associated with past incidents. Thus, transferring control to Moldovan territory implies not replacement, but duplication of functions: Ukrainian border guards will carry out control jointly with Moldovan ones on already transferred or agreed-upon infrastructure.
Context: Kyiv's Plans and Poland's Precedent
Moldova's initiative fits into a broader trend. It was previously reported that Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure plans to relocate checkpoints to the territory of neighboring countries precisely because of shelling. A similar step has already been taken by Poland, which allowed the transfer of border control to its territory amid Russian attacks in Ukraine. Recently, due to a Russian missile strike near the Polish border, two checkpoints—Dorohusk and Zosin—had to be evacuated, clearly demonstrating the level of risk to border infrastructure.
What This Means for the Border Regime
The relocation of Ukrainian checkpoints to Moldovan territory, if implemented, will effectively change the logistics of border control along the Ukraine-Moldova section. For passengers and trucks, this may mean safer crossing conditions, but at the same time a more complex joint control procedure between the two countries. Both sides emphasize that the measures are temporary and risk-oriented and will be adjusted depending on the situation in the borderlands.
