Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
President Zelenskyy,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to stand with you today as, together, we celebrate the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.
Today is, above all, a tribute to the people of Ukraine. To generations of women and men who, throughout centuries, withstood hardship, oppression, famine, deportations and attempts to erase their language and identity, yet never surrendered.
Today is about a nation that, despite every trial, has endured and survived because it refused to give up.
Today, that truth is being written once again.
Every morning, when I read the news, I hope to find signs that the night was quieter than the one before. But too often, instead, I read of another wave of missiles and drones, of another city mourning its dead, of another school, hospital, or home reduced to rubble by Russia's brutal war of aggression.
The hearts of Moldovans break with yours. We grieve with you.
We think of the mothers who kiss their children goodnight without knowing whether they will wake to another air raid. We think of fathers who leave their families to defend their homeland. We think of grandparents who refuse to abandon the villages where they have lived their entire lives, even as destruction surrounds them.
No people should have to live like this.
And yet, every single day, the world also witnesses something extraordinary.
We witness Ukrainians choosing courage over fear.
We witness doctors saving lives under bombardment.
Rescuers who, after every Russian strike, race to the sites of devastation, searching tirelessly for survivors beneath the rubble, comforting bereaved families, and clearing the ruins.
Teachers continuing lessons despite sirens—and students risking their lives to go to school.
Volunteers delivering food and medicine where others would not dare go.
Engineers restoring electricity after attacks plunging entire communities into darkness.
Railway workers ensuring trains continue running despite heavy damage to the tracks.
And of course, soldiers defending their homeland with selfless bravery.
Dear Ukrainians,
Your steadfastness inspires us every day.
Your determination strengthens our own.
Your fortitude, preserved in the face of unimaginable cruelty, reminds the world that even in humanity's darkest moments, hope can overcome despair.
Please know this: you are not alone. The people of Moldova stand beside you with admiration, with compassion, and with unwavering solidarity. And we will never cease to believe that Ukraine will prevail, that good will triumph over evil.
Allow me to conclude with one thought.
Very often, we hear Ukrainians thanking their partners and friends for standing by them.
But I think we should be thanking you.
Thank you for reminding us what fighting for freedom truly means.
Thank you for showing the world that dignity cannot be bombed into submission.
And thank you for the lesson of strength and resilience that you give us every single day.
Slava Ukraini!
