Moldova Hosts the EPC Summit #2
President Volodymyr Zelensky first to arrive in Bulboaca
EPC Coverage from Moldova Matters: Today Moldova Matters is covering the European Political Community Summit held in Moldova at Castel Mimi winery. We’ll post updates in a sequence of quick-hit articles over the course of the day as well as shorter posts on Substack Notes. If you missed it see our first update here.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Arrives in Bulboaca
The first leader to arrive at the EPC Summit was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who arrived a full hour before other leaders were expected to begin arriving. He was greeted by President Sandu before the two presidents ducked aside for the first bilateral meeting of the day.
The Ukrainian President arrived just as news was breaking of additional missile and drone strikes against Kyiv overnight. At least 3 people were killed including 2 children and 12 more people were injured.
Following their bilateral meeting Presidents Sandu and Zelenskyy gave a brief statement to the press before President Zelenskyy proceeded to Castel Mimi and President Sandu returned to greet more guests.
Speaking to the press President Sandu address Zelenskyy saying:
Thank you for accepting our invitation to the second summit of the European Political Community. It is extremely important to us that you are here today. We will discuss important topics, reaffirm our support for Ukraine as it faces Russian aggression (…). Ukraine is keeping Moldova safe today and we are very grateful for that. Moldova respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within the internationally recognized borders. Moldova supports the peace plan you proposed and of course we support the creation of an international tribunal to try those who commit crimes of aggression in Ukraine. Please invest in our countries, believe in our democracies and our European future.
President Zelenskyy then gave a brief statement saying:
"It was not easy to get to Moldova, but this is the message of our people - we support the Republic of Moldova and we salute it. We are happy to historically evolve together, shoulder to shoulder. I thank the Moldovans for receiving our citizens, all the refugees"
Leaders continue to arrive and be greeted by President Sandu. Arrivals are expected to continue from 10:30 to around 12:00 at which point the EPC Summit will begin with a plenary meeting of all the heads of state and EU bodies present.