PHOTO // President at diplomatic conference in The Hague

The Republic of Moldova supports all efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine and the suffering it causes. The way this war ends will define the future of Europe. President Maia Sandu conveyed the message at the conference dedicated to the adoption of the Convention on the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

In her speech, the official emphasized that beyond all high-level discussions, it is important to maintain the primary objective: saving lives, stopping suffering, and bringing a peace that does not create the premises for the next war.


“We meet at a time when Russia's large-scale aggression against Ukraine continues to claim lives, destroy cities, and weaken the foundations of European security. Peace rarely lasts without accountability. Accountability means creating the conditions for lasting peace. Therefore, accountability is a condition of security - today and in the future, but this is not only about Ukraine, it is also about every country in Europe. It is about Europe's willingness, as a whole, to defend its peace. This war is already affecting our normal way of life, far from the front line. Drones are violating European airspace, affecting travel plans. Critical infrastructure is targeted by sabotage. Cyberattacks disrupt services. Disinformation seeks to divide our societies from within. This moment is about Ukraine - but also about the ability of free and sovereign nations in Europe to protect their citizens from harm and violence, about our ability, as Europeans, to remain united, in solidarity, to defend our way of life, democracies, and peace,” declared Maia Sandu.


The head of state mentioned that the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine is important, first of all, for the people who lost family members, whose homes were destroyed, and whose lives were forever changed.


“The law cannot void the loss, but it can acknowledge the damage, restore dignity, and affirm that the suffering is neither invisible nor forgotten. This commission matters for the international system. Accountability, when credible, predictable, and institutionalized, tells aggressors that violations will be recorded, assessed, and sanctioned. Furthermore, the manner in which this Commission was created sends a clear signal, emphasizing multilateralism and a rules-based international order. At a time when some argue that only power should decide the consequences, Europe affirms something else: that stability depends on laws, cooperation, and shared responsibility - especially for smaller and more vulnerable states. The Council of Europe has provided a credible institutional framework for this endeavor,” Maia Sandu emphasized.


The president said that under these difficult conditions, Ukraine is holding on, continuing to defend its territory, citizens, and Europe's security.


“Russia has not achieved its objectives. Every meter of advance in Ukraine comes with colossal human and military costs for Russia. This war will soon last longer than Russia's participation in World War II. The fact that Moscow has not yet succeeded in conquering Donbas is proof of Ukraine's extraordinary ability to resist and adapt. Ukraine's resilience matters far beyond its borders. It maintains peace in Europe. Europe's security now depends on the support given to Ukraine to prevent Russia from continuing this war and preparing the next one. Ukraine must continue to receive strong and sustained support. Not sporadic. Not hesitant. But with the understanding that Ukraine's success is a prerequisite for Europe's future peace. Supporting Ukraine now is an investment in preventing much larger conflicts in the future,” stated the head of state.


The official also mentioned the need to reduce Russia's ability to wage war, because “the way this ends depends on whether Europe will have stability or face new wars.”


“Sanctions matter. Isolation matters. Pressure matters. A war of aggression cannot be allowed to remain sustainable economically. Effective deterrence today avoids much greater military, economic, and human costs in the future. The European Union's decision to indefinitely freeze Russian assets plays a role in this effort. It strengthens deterrence. It tells future aggressors that war has lasting costs. The way this war ends depends on whether Europe will have stability or face new wars. And that is Europe's responsibility. Not someone else's. Not another continent's. The responsibility lies with Europe - to uphold peace, to support Ukraine, and to defend the foundations of our security, democracy, and well-being. To do these things decisively or to fail in the face of history - thus endangering Europe's democratic and peaceful future. Ukraine fights. The question before us is whether Europe will rise to this moment or fail. Thank you to all the countries represented today for their support for Ukraine. As the country holding the Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, the Republic of Moldova supports a Europe that acts timely, with determination and together. A Europe that understands that supporting Ukraine and deterring aggression today represent the price of tomorrow's peace,” concluded Maia Sandu.


The International Claims Commission for Ukraine is an international mechanism aimed at examining and resolving claims for compensation for damages caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Commission represents the next step in establishing the Ukraine Damage Register, agreed upon by heads of state and government at the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik. So far, 44 states and the European Union have joined the Register, which has already received over 80,000 claims. The new Commission will have the mandate to review, evaluate, and resolve claims filed in the Register and determine, on a case-by-case basis, the amount of compensation due.