Staying neutral: Moldova's PM Natalia Gavrilița says yes to joining the EU but no to NATO

Moldova is in the midst of an urgent humanitarian crisis in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tens of thousands of refugees from Ukraine continue to flee and cross its border.

The outbreak of war recently prompted Chisinau to request EU membership, but that has also raised questions about Transnistria, a Russia-backed breakaway region, that Moldova views as an integral part of its territory.

To discuss the fallout, Euronews' Sándor Zsíros spoke to Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița.

Sándor Zsíros, Euronews:

"How do you see the security situation of your country with the war in Ukraine? Is Moldova under direct military threat by Russia?"

Natalia Gavrilița, Prime minister of Moldova

"It is very unfortunate what is happening in Ukraine. We condemn the war and we strongly support Ukrainian independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We are living in a complex region with security issues for Moldova as well, especially regarding the Transnistrian and separatist region. But we are currently seeing no danger or risks of spill-over into the Transnistria region. We are continuing with our negotiating formats. Moldova is a neutral country. Its neutrality is enshrined in the constitution and we expect everyone to act in accordance with this principle."

Sándor Zsíros, Euronews:

"What's your plan if the Russian troops fail to stop at your borders?"

Natalia Gavrilița, Prime minister of Moldova

"This is a hypothetical scenario. We are currently very much concentrated on the management of the large refugee flows. We have more than two hundred and fifty thousand people who have crossed the border from Ukraine. We have one hundred and twenty thousand that are estimated to have remained in