Rally 34 years after the Nistru conflict: “Aggression hasn’t disappeared — it has only changed its methods”
More than thirty years after the Nistru War, President Maia Sandu declared that the freedom of the Republic of Moldova "came at a heavy price." During a solemn rally held on the Day of Memory and Gratitude, she emphasized that, just as in 1992, the aggressor in Moldova was Russia, and this remains true today in Ukraine. She also highlighted that the country is still facing a "cognitive war," which is being waged through propaganda and disinformation.
Maia Sandu emphasized that March 2, the day the fighting began at the Nistru River, is "a day of pain and dignity." It is a moment to remember not only the actions of those who fought but, more importantly, the sacrifices they made.
"Hundreds of people lost their lives, and tens of thousands more risked their health, futures, and the peace of their loved ones. Behind every name engraved on a cross is a life cut short too soon. Behind every veteran is a story of courage and dedication to the land inherited from our ancestors," declared Maia Sandu during a rally at the "Eternitate" Memorial Complex, which she attended alongside the Speaker of Parliament, Igor Grosu, and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.
The head of state expressed her gratitude and respect for the veterans who defended the country from the front lines and noted that they “understand best how precious freedom is.” She stressed that the Day of Remembrance and Gratitude is not only about the past but also about the future, “about our commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace.”
She further stated that the aggression against the Republic of Moldova has not disappeared but has merely changed its methods. While it manifested in 1992 through tanks, it now manifests through propaganda, manipulation, and disinformation.
“We are living in a real cognitive war, a war that targets memory and identity. It seeks to relativize responsibility and confuse the aggressor with the victim. Therefore, defending memory must be a part of our national defense. It is about our rightful place in the family of European states,” the president declared.
Maia Sandu also affirmed that the Republic of Moldova firmly demands the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory. She expressed support for Ukraine, which is defending its territory, as well as for peace in the region in the face of Russian aggression.
Anatol Croitor, a knight of the Order of "Stephen the Great" and a volunteer from Coșnița, was among the first to join the fight for the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova. He recalled how, 34 years ago, the Dubăsari Police Station was "maliciously attacked." Police officers were taken prisoner and mistreated in the basements of the 14th Army in Tiraspol.
"Clearly, the population could not remain indifferent. We organized detachments of volunteers and police officers to ensure the safety of our communities. That's when our national consciousness awakened, and we understood that our identity and independence were non-negotiable. It was necessary to defend them with arms in hand," the veteran stated.
Croitor reminisced about the day he raised the tricolor flag in Coșnița, emphasizing that it was not merely a symbolic gesture but "a declaration of faith and living proof of our desire to live peacefully in our homeland."
The rally concluded with the laying of flowers at the "Mother of Sorrows" monument, and the names of fallen heroes were recited during the ceremony.
Participants in the march that preceded the solemn rally carried photographs of veterans who lost their lives on the battlefield. The country’s leadership also joined the veterans in a procession from the monument to Prince Stephen the Great and the Holy in the center of the capital to the "Eternitate" Memorial Complex.
City Hall honors veterans separately from national leaders
The team from City Hall laid flowers at the monument to Prince Stefan cel Mare and at the "Maica Îndurerată" monument within the Memorial Complex "Eternitate," doing so separately from the national leadership, before the official commemorative events began.
Mayor General Ion Ceban expressed gratitude to those who risked their lives "for our independence and that of our children." He condemned any actions or statements aimed at undermining the Republic of Moldova's independence.
“For the deeds of heroism and the sacrifices they have made, we thank them. We wish the participants and their families good health, and we extend our compassion to those who have lost loved ones. May there be peace in our country and across the world, and may our children have a bright future,” declared Ion Ceban on the Day of Memory and Gratitude.
Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Valeriu Chiveri, joined the commemorative rally held in Molovata Nouă, Dubăsari district.
Approximately 30,000 soldiers, police officers, and volunteers were involved in the fighting to defend the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova. Over 300 heroes lost their lives on the battlefield.
34 years after the military actions in 1992, the Transnistrian conflict remains unresolved. After a break of more than 15 months, Chisinau and Tiraspol returned to the negotiating table in the "1+1" format. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Valeriu Chiveri, met on February 26 with the separatist regime's envoy, Vitali Ignatiev, at the OSCE headquarters in Tiraspol.
On the agenda for the discussions were free movement, access for journalists and human rights defenders on the left bank, and the need to eliminate checkpoints that limit movement. The next meeting will be before Easter in Râbnița.
