On 24 August 2026, President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu visited Kyiv for the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, reaffirming Moldova’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people. During her visit, President Sandu highlighted the close connection between the security of Moldova and Ukraine and called on international partners to further strengthen Ukraine’s air defence.
Maia Sandu Visits Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day
President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu travelled to Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day, joining President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people in marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
President Sandu described it as an honour to be in Kyiv on this significant day and to stand alongside Ukrainians who, after more than four years of Russia’s full-scale war, continue to defend their freedom, independence and sovereignty.
In her message, Maia Sandu noted the profound meaning of Independence Day during wartime: Ukrainians celebrate their freedom while honouring those who gave their lives to defend it. She stressed that today no nation in Europe is paying a higher price for its freedom.
Ukraine Continues to Resist, Innovate and Move Forward
During her visit to Kyiv, Maia Sandu highlighted the extraordinary resilience of Ukrainian society. Ukrainian soldiers, rescuers, doctors, engineers, teachers and millions of citizens continue to keep the country functioning despite ongoing Russian attacks.
Ukraine is not only resisting aggression but also continuing to innovate, strengthen its defence capabilities and move forward. Its ability to remain resilient and develop under wartime conditions has become an important example for Europe.
The Republic of Moldova has consistently supported Ukraine throughout the full-scale war. Maia Sandu has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine’s security is closely linked to Moldova’s security, as Ukraine’s defence also contributes to stability across the wider European region.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Air Defence Also Strengthens Moldova’s Security
During a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv, President Maia Sandu called on international partners to provide further support for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The Moldovan President emphasized that protecting Ukrainian airspace has direct implications for the security of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2022, Moldova has recorded dozens of violations of its airspace linked to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Stronger Ukrainian air defence therefore protects not only Ukrainian cities and communities but also helps reduce security risks for neighbouring countries, including Moldova.
The issue once again underlined the interconnected nature of Moldova – Ukraine security cooperation and the importance of continued international support for Ukraine.
Maia Sandu: «It Is Hard to Imagine a Free Moldova Without a Free Ukraine»
One of the central messages of Maia Sandu’s visit to Kyiv was her statement highlighting the close relationship between the future and security of Moldova and Ukraine:
«It is hard to imagine a free Moldova without a free Ukraine».
The message reflects the Republic of Moldova’s consistent support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the shared commitment of both countries to a peaceful, democratic and European future.
Moldova and Ukraine are also advancing on their respective paths towards European Union membership. Their security, democratic development, economic resilience and European integration are increasingly interconnected within the broader European security framework.
Moldova Reaffirms Its Solidarity with Ukraine
In her message marking Ukraine’s Independence Day, Maia Sandu expressed the hope that the Ukrainian people would be able to celebrate the next anniversary of their independence in peace.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova in Dnipro joins this message of solidarity and expresses its profound respect for the courage, resilience and commitment to freedom demonstrated by the Ukrainian people.
The Republic of Moldova remains firmly by Ukraine’s side in its struggle for independence, a just and lasting peace, and the sovereign right to determine its own future.
