Press statements by Moldovan PM after meeting with prime minister of Ukraine in Kyiv

Dear Mrs. Prime Minister,

Thank you sincerely for the warm welcome I have felt from the very first moment on Ukrainian soil – even at a time when Russian bombings are leaving people in the cold. My special relationship with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is well known, as I spent more than twenty years here. As prime minister, on my first visit to Ukraine, I return with deep respect and solidarity for the Ukrainian people, who today are on the front line in defending peace and universal human values. (Moldovan PM's statements made in Ukrainian)

Dear Mrs. Prime Minister,

Moldova condemns in the strongest terms the war waged by the Russian Federation, including the massive daily attacks on Ukrainian cities and regions, that kill children, women and the elderly.

We condemn all barbaric attacks that target critical infrastructure and create unbearable conditions for Ukrainian citizens – power, heating and water outages in extremely cold weather. Russia has brought the war into every Ukrainian home and is killing innocent people in an attempt to break Ukraine’s spirit. But your spirit is indomitable, and the unity of the Ukrainian people does not break; it becomes even stronger.

The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are fundamental principles of international law. Moldova firmly and consistently supports them, including on international platforms.

We support initiatives and processes aimed at restoring peace and lasting security in Ukraine and Europe. We support the efforts of the international community to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression, including by promoting these efforts during our Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. We support the work of the Register of Damage and the International Claims Commission, as well as the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

We stay in solidarity also on the issue of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported and forcibly displaced. It is clear – children cannot be used as instruments of war. All Ukrainian children must be safely returned to their families.

In Moldova, we continue to provide support to Ukrainian citizens. At present, more than 130,000 Ukrainian refugees are on the territory of our country, of whom 87,000 benefit from the temporary protection mechanism, including around 20,000 children. This mechanism ensures their access to the education system, medical services, as well as the labour market. Ukrainians are welcome in Moldova, they feel good with us, and we are glad that we can do this for each family in need.

Last week, during the government meeting, we approved a new package of humanitarian aid for Ukraine. This humanitarian shipment will arrive in Kyiv today and includes emergency response vehicles, electric generators, protective equipment, medical supplies and food products.

Moldova and Ukraine are true friends and reliable partners, united not only by a common border, but also by democratic values and our European objectives and aspirations. These close ties between our countries were reconfirmed during today’s meetings.

I thank the Prime Minister for an open discussion. We have done many things together, we have signed a string of bilateral agreements, and we will continue to cooperate, including in the Odessa Triangle format.

Dear Mrs. Prime Minister,

Moldova firmly supports your European path and considers that Ukraine’s European integration is an important element for the stability, security and European future of the entire region.

In conclusion, I would like to reconfirm that Moldova remains in solidarity and stands by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. I am convinced that this visit will strengthen our bilateral relations and our long-term cooperation.

For almost four years, we have been living through a war that brings death, suffering and broken families. But for these same four years, we have also seen the heroism, the indomitable courage and the strong solidarity of Ukrainians. This war must end immediately, through a just and lasting peace. The courage and heroism of Ukraine are eternal.

Ukraine can count on the Republic of Moldova as a sincere and reliable partner.

Glory to Ukraine!  (last two sentences made in Ukrainian)