European Union countries have agreed to send a civilian mission to Moldova to aid in the country’s ability to cope with destabilisation efforts from Russia.
Moldova, which is pro-European and shares a border with Ukraine, has repeatedly accused Russia of attempting to overthrow its government through saboteurs disguised as anti-government protesters.
The mission, consisting of around 40 experts from EU countries, will include cyber and crisis experts who will help prepare Moldova to repel potential Russian interference.
The deployment is an important political sign of the EU’s support during the current difficult circumstances.
Moldova applied to join the EU last year, and the EU is also looking to impose sanctions on Moldovan oligarchs accused of helping Moscow destabilise the country.
The mission will have an initial mandate of two years and will be deployed by May.