Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of seeking broader territorial ambitions in Europe than it has been publicly acknowledged.
“The Russian war plan points to the region – Odessa and then to the border with Moldova and Romania,” Zelensky said at the Ukraine-South Europe summit in the Black Sea port city.
He said Moscow was trying to sow chaos throughout the region to weaken the entire Europe.
Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian General Rustam Minnekayev announced that controlling southern Ukraine and ensuring the land corridor to ensure that the land corridor crosses the Moldova region is a war target in Moscow.
The Kremlin has never formally confirmed these goals.
Zelensky warns of domino effect
Zelensky said Russia's goal is far beyond Ukraine. He claimed that the Kremlin stirred up ethnic tensions in the Balkans, interfered in Romania's elections and tried to restore influence on the former Soviet Republic of Moldova.
He warned that if pro-Russian forces win Moldova’s parliamentary elections in September, it could encourage Moscow to deepen its intervention in other European countries.
The summit in Odessa was to coordinate regional support in Ukraine and to address broader security issues.
Zelensky updated his call for stronger air defense and political support, including support for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
He also posted a video on the telegram showing himself, with several visiting leaders laying flowers for the fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
