US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently traveled to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, marking the first visit by a high-ranking US official to Europe following a brief period of conflict. The purpose of Blinken’s visit, as reported by Reuters, is to bolster support for Moldova’s efforts to integrate with the European Union and its neighboring countries.

During his time in Chisinau, Blinken will hold meetings with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and other prominent officials. The US administration has expressed concerns about Moldova falling under the influence of Russian aggressive actions, given its long border with Ukraine and a population of 2.5 million.

Last Friday, Jim O’Brien, the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, announced that the United States will provide a robust package of support to enhance Moldova’s energy independence. O’Brien also clarified that Washington does not perceive a direct military threat from Russia to Transnistria, an unrecognized territory located 35 km from Moldova. Russian forces and soldiers have been present in Transnistria since the early 1990s war in Moscow.