Many Ukrainian refugees are unlikely to stay in Moldova, which is one of Europe’s poorest countries. Chisinau estimates that approximately 100,000 Ukrainians have already moved onto neighbouring Romania, from where they can disperse around the European Union.

In the backstreets of Chisinau, one Ukrainian refugee who was on her way to Italy with her daughter and daughter-in-law said she was worried about Moldova coming under attack. “Putin is coming for Moldova next,” she said.

Moldovans, many of whom have close relatives in Ukraine, have welcomed Ukrainians with open arms. Thousands of Moldovans have offered transport, shelter, and assistance to Ukrainians. 

Chisinau has so far successfully managed the refugee inflow largely by itself, with the government response impressing European partners. However, Moldova will urgently need support as refugees keep on coming. 

Officials told The Telegraph that Moldova was running out of basic resources such as fuel and medicine to support arriving Ukrainians, and that unless urgent support was provided Moldova would be unable to manage.