CHISINAU -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 29 pledged $135 million in aid to Moldova for energy security and to counter Russian disinformation, reaffirming Washington's support for Moldova's European integration and its sovereignty against the backdrop of Russian threats and the war in Ukraine.
Blinken announced the assistance and expressed his admiration for President Maia Sandu's leadership at a joint news conference with Sandu in Chisinau, where he is on a stop before traveling on to Prague for a NATO foreign ministers meeting.
He praised recent progress made in Chisinau, including the fight against corruption and preparations for EU accession.
"Two years ago when I was here we discussed how we will be able to build a dynamic Moldova, anchored in Europe, that lives in peace. Despite all the difficulties you are facing you have taken concrete steps to fulfill this vision, which will create a strong future, through progress along the European path," Blinken said.
Blinken also thanked Moldova again for the help it has provided to Ukrainian refugees.
"You really are a small country with a big heart," Blinken said.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion the United States has provided Moldova with $774 million in financial aid. Nearly half of that amount -- $300 million -- was earmarked for energy security.
Sandu said the U.S. aid has been used to foster energy security, modernize agriculture, and fight corruption.
"As a matter of fact, in this way you support us in achieving our dream of Moldova to become a land of guaranteed peace, freedom, and well-being for everyone who works in honest manners," Sandu said.
Blinken made a stop in Moldova amid concerns over renewed threats from Russia to both Moldova and Georgia.
Russia still has 1,500 troops stationed in the disputed territory of Transdniester, and in Georgia backs the ruling party’s anti-Western moves that run counter to its aspirations to join the European Union.
Both countries have candidate status to eventually join the EU.
Blinken also answered questions on whether Ukraine's Western backers will allow Kyiv to use arms they have provided to strike targets in Russia. Blinken's response was that Ukraine's allies would "adapt and adjust" their weapons deliveries to ensure its success.
"As what Russia does has changed in terms of how it's pursuing its aggression, we've adapted and adjusted to it and I'm confident we'll continue to do that," Blinken said.
James O'Brien, the top U.S. diplomat for Europe, said last week there is no direct military threat to Moldova at this time from Russia, but he said there are "ongoing Russian influence operations, and that is of concern."
Moldova has repeatedly accused Russia of meddling in local elections and running disinformation campaigns to try to topple the government and derail its path toward joining the EU. Sandu said she expects Russian disinformation to increase in the coming months. Russia has denied the accusations.
In Georgia, those fears intensified on May 28 when the country's parliament overrode a presidential veto of a "foreign agent" bill that has prompted weeks of street protests against the legislation. Demonstrators say it will restrict media freedom and obstruct Georgia's EU aspirations.