President's message at ceremony commemorating World War II victims

Dear citizens, 

Dear veterans,

Today is a day of dual significance for Moldova and entire world. Following the announcement of victory over Nazism on 8 May 1945, on 9 May 1945, marked the first day of peace in Europe after years of suffering and devastation. Peace Victory restored hope for a future built on freedom, dignity and solidarity among nations.

We gather to commemorate one of the most painful pages in human history - World War II. A war in which over 70 million people perished. 

Peace and victory over tyranny were made possible by the courage and sacrifice of our forebearers and the unity shown by the nations that opposed Nazism. Moldova was part of the tragedy, but also part of the Peace Victory. 

56,000 Moldovans never returned home from the front. Practically, every family lost someone dear. Moldovans of all ethnicities, Romanians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Russians, Gagauzians fought and died for Peace Victory. They all gave their lives so we, children and grandchildren might live in peace. Our duty is to keep peace and honor their heroism and sacrifice with respect and in quiet, not through loud festivities. 

I wish to address you in Russian so everyone, including those who don't speak Romanian well, understands why it is difficult for us, those with roots in Moldova, to celebrate during these days.

Dear citizens,

No matter how some politicians try to divide us, to tell us that we are different, we know the truth: the wounds of war were the same for all of Moldova, and respect for the sacrifices and heroism of our forefathers unites us all. 

To our veterans - the few who are still among us - we express gratitude for their sacrifice. 

After 1945, Europe chose a different path. It chose reconciliation. It chose to transform wounds into bridges between nations. For eight decades, the European Union member states have experienced the longest period of peace in their history, and Moldova aspires to be part of this family - not only for economic development but especially to preserve peace, democracy and freedom.

However, today at our borders, this peace is once again threatened. Russia, which monopolizes the victory over Nazism, has become the aggressor that entered Ukraine with tanks and death. How can we comprehend the bombing of cities like Kyiv or Kharkiv at the same time as the joy at the parade that should celebrate the peace of 1945?

We see how some people organize grand parades or glorify Kremlin in the name of the victory of 80 years ago, yet turn a blind eye to the crimes committed by Russia today in Ukraine. How can they speak of liberation while Moscow kills, bombs and tortures innocent people? Why do some believe that the lives lost today in Kherson or Bahmut matter less than those lost in Stalingrad or Leningrad? You cannot commemorate past victims while justifying the crimes of the present. 

We, Moldovans, have experienced too many tragedies in our history. We do not want tyranny, we do not want war. We want peace. We want freedom.

Peace is defended day by day. With voice, with vote, with truth, with solidarity. 

Moldova commemorates its heroes and celebrates the Victory of Peace. We will remain on the side of those who defend life, not destroy it. On the side of those who build bridges, not launch rockets. We will stand for freedom, memory, truth.

This is the lesson of the last 80 years: regardless of times and threats, the good must be defended. Not with fear, but with dignity. Evil can be done alone, but good and peace are achieved only together.

This is how we honor the past. This is how we build the future. And this is how we will keep peace. Thank you.