Moldovan president's message on unity, help for Ukraine

Dear citizens,

Yesterday morning we woke up in a new world. More violent, more uncertain, more unstable, a world where unprovoked warfare is possible - and it is taking its toll right near our borders. It is certainly a world we hoped we would never live in.

The Moldovan authorities have mobilized quickly and are working on alert, we continue to closely monitor developments in the war in Ukraine, including developments in the northern and southern districts of the Republic of Moldova, where the impact was immediate with the arrival of an unusual number of requests. entry into the country. In difficult times, we act calmly and responsibly to ensure, first and foremost, the safety of our citizens.

In such times, as always, we are thinking of people. To our citizens, but also to those of Ukraine, who have suffered the most from the war. For two days, the inhabitants of Ukrainian cities have been living with the reality of military actions, which drive them out of their homes and push them on the roads. First of all, as human beings, today we must all stand in solidarity with the Ukrainians.

The Republic of Moldova has shown that it is with the people of Ukraine, who need our help. In the last 24 hours, more than 16,000 Ukrainian citizens have entered Moldova, who were forced to leave their country to escape the scourge of war.

Many of those who arrived came to relatives and friends. But state institutions are ready to help people who enter Ukraine and have no one in our country. They receive supplies and packages of basic necessities. There is also transport and accommodation so that every person who has crossed the border can reach the shelter, if they need it. Even if the flow of people from Ukraine in the coming days increases, we will receive all those who ask for our help.

At the same time, I was very pleased to see an exemplary mobilization from our citizens, the central and local authorities, the business environment in our country to help people from the neighboring country. Many of our fellow citizens are willing to accommodate refugees in their homes. Many are ready to get involved as volunteers. City halls, guesthouses and hotels across the country offer free accommodation for Ukrainian citizens fleeing the plague. Companies from different sectors offer their services, free of charge or at low prices, to Ukrainians who have arrived in Moldova in recent days.

I particularly noted and appreciated the intense work and significant efforts of the border crossing staff who were overwhelmed by the heavy traffic of refugees, and I would like to thank my fellow border guards and customs officers for their dedication during this period. difficult. And we must not forget the law enforcement officers who received additional missions during this period and are constantly watching over the safety of our citizens.

Dear citizens,

Thank you for your generosity and solidarity during this difficult time. In troubled times, we must be able to count on each other. People are with people. Our strength is in our ability to be united, in the humanity we show, in the generosity with which we share the little we have with those who need support. I'm proud of you.

Ukraine is our friend. Our relatives live in Ukraine. The tragedy that hundreds of thousands of families are going through now is also our pain. These are terrible times for those in the way of the plague without any guilt.

Dear citizens,

I further urge you to inform yourself from verified sources. Don't let misinformation poison your life. We must be constructive, mobilized and supportive. I am convinced that we will get out of this crisis with our heads held high.

Photo: Presidency