Moldovan president awarded Princess Olga Order by Ukraine's head of state

President Maia Sandu today in Kyiv received the Princess Olga Order [First Class], one of Ukraine’s highest state distinctions. The decoration was presented to her by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the events marking the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence.

The distinction was awarded for her outstanding personal merits in strengthening cooperation between the two states and for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I receive this distinction on behalf of the people of the Republic of Moldova,” President Maia Sandu said. “On the first days of the war, families of our country opened their doors and their hearts to women and children fleeing from the bombs. This is their merit.”

The Princess Olga Order is a Ukrainian state decoration established in 1997, conferred on women for outstanding achievements in state, civic, scientific, educational, cultural, charitable and other areas of public life.

Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Moldova has offered refuge to Ukrainians fleeing the war, provided transit corridors for Ukrainian exports and delivered humanitarian and energy assistance. With a common border of 1,222 km, Moldova is a reliable security partner for Ukraine and for the rest of Europe.

This year, Moldova also joined the Coalition of Will, a political and diplomatic coordination format chaired by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, bringing together more than 30 states, mostly European. The Coalition’s purpose is to support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and solid security guarantees, that will prevent further aggression. President Maia Sandu today took part in the Coalition leaders’ meeting held in Kyiv.

The Princess Olga Order is the second distinction conferred on President Maia Sandu by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On 23 August 2021, the head of state was decorated with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class.