On 17 March 2022, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova signed a Status Agreement regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex. The agreement lays down the basis for increased deployment of Frontex teams in Moldova. On 21 March 2022, Frontex and the Moldavian authorities signed an Operational Plan allowing Frontex to provide increased technical and operational assistance in Moldova. Joint Operation Moldova aims to assist Moldovan authorities in processing the immense number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine as well as to control illegal immigration flows. It also tackles cross-border crime and enhances European cooperation and law enforcement activities. Frontex's assistance in the border management is one part of several immediate measures of the EU to help Moldova cope with the huge number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine after the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022.