Moldovan head of state visits two border crossing points, discusses with refugees from Ukraine

Chisinau, 27 February /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today visited the border crossing point Otaci-Mohyliv-Podilsk from the northern Ocnita district, in order to see how the authorities find their way about with the increasing flow of people fleeing Ukraine to Moldova, willing to escape war. The head of state discussed at the border, on the Ukrainian side, with citizens of the neighbour country who want to enter Moldova and assured them that Moldova was by their side, the presidential press service has reported.    
The president thanked the Border Police and Customs employees, as well as the social assistants and local authorities from the region for self-denial and professionalism proved on these days, in difficult conditions, with intense regime and without rest. He expressed gratitude also to the volunteers who support with their own sources of time, goods and money the authorities’ efforts to host Ukrainian citizens who ask for help in Moldova. President Maia Sandu discussed also with local residents from Otaci, who came to the customs checkpoint to give a helping hand, thanking them for involvement on this difficult period and assuring them that the authorities are doing their utmost to preserve peace.    
After Otaci, the head of state went to Calaraseuca, where a sorting centre for refugees coming from Ukraine is placed and discussed with women with children who accommodated there temporarily, while their husbands remained in Ukraine, mobilized for fight. The women are frightened, they don’t know what will happen next and told the Moldovan president that they would like to return to their homes. President Maia Sandu assured them that Moldova would provide them with shelter as long as it is necessary and they are to go to live in a home of a local woman, who agreed to receive them, just today.  
In the end of the visit, the head of state went also to the Unguri-Bronnitsya border crossing point, where she discussed with border policemen and welcomed the exemplary mobilization of the mayoralty and villagers from Unguri, in order to help the people who seek refuge in Moldova. The president visited also a family from the settlement, which hosts several women refugees from Ukraine along with their women. The women came to Moldova on 25 February from Odessa and are grateful for the warm reception they enjoyed here.     
„We are by the side of the people from Ukraine. Their evidence remind about the importance of peace and reestablishment of security in our region. Moldova is a neutral state, a peaceful state and our urge for everybody is to reestablish peace,’’ the head of state said at the end of the visit. Maia Sandu stressed that she was proud of the Moldovan citizens who on these dark days proved solidarity and kindness and gave our neighbours a helping hand, if needed. The president stressed that the citizens’ safety was the authorities’ priority and urged the people to remain, in continuation, united, calm and vigilant.    
Photo: Presidency