February 24, 2025, Chișinău – The speech delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi during the commemorative event organized by the Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, marking three years since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation:

We are here today to commemorate a tragic and painful event. But at the same time, we are all witnesses to the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people.

For the last three years, but actually for the last eleven years, Ukrainian people and Ukrainian army have been proving to the entire world what means to defend your needs and your people, to protect your homeland from barbaric aggression, from what some call „Russkii Mir”.

What we witness daily in Ukraine, and increasingly in the Republic of Moldova, are direct threats to our security. These have nothing to do with partnership, friendship, or peace – quite the opposite.

The Republic of Moldova has been and will remain part of the free world and firmly anchored in supporting the Ukrainian people. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have opened their arms and homes wide to host thousands of Ukrainian refugees. This is how neighbors and friends should act. This is the Christian way.

Today we commemorate three years of sacrifice, but at the same time three years of heroism. These were three years when Ukrainian people have shown the entire world that those who hoped to break them and occupy them in three days have not succeeded in three years – and they will never succeed. Such a nation cannot be defeated and has demonstrated to the whole world that they can defend their dignity and the future of their children.

The Republic of Moldova remains steadfast by the side of our Ukrainian neighbors and friends, and we are committed to continue making efforts, despite the modest resources we have, to support our friends in their time of need.

We are confident that, despite the tragic event we are marking today, the mandate of the new approved ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, Paun Rohovei, will be a successful one, contributing to the strengthening of the friendship between our peoples.

Glory to the Ukrainian people! Glory to the Ukrainian soldiers and to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the future of Ukraine! This memory will be eternal, and our support must remain unwavering. Glory to Ukraine!