Moldovan foreign affairs minister says country stands firmly with Ukraine in its efforts to build just, lasting peace

Crimes against civilians cannot go unpunished, and those responsible must be held accountable. We stand by Ukraine and commemorate four years since the start of Russia’s illegal aggression against the country. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi today delivered a message on the matter at the ministerial event dedicated to marking four years since the outbreak of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The event is entitled, When civilians become targets: the Russian Federation’s war against the population and infrastructure of Ukraine. It was organized in the context of the high-level segment of the UN Human Rights Council. The event brought together ministers and high-level representatives of member states, in order to discuss the grave situation of civilians affected by the war.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi underlined the importance of maintaining commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

“Crimes against civilians cannot go unpunished, and those responsible must be held accountable. Today, we stand with Ukraine and commemorate four years since the start of Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. It is essential that we maintain our firm commitment to ensuring full accountability, protecting human rights and achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” said Mihai Popsoi.

The official also presented a joint statement on behalf of 44 states, members of the Group of Friends on accountability following the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Moldovan diplomacy head stressed that, four years after the start of the war, civilians continued to be direct targets of attacks, and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and energy infrastructure had profoundly hit the daily lives of millions of people.

The minister also drew attention to the situation of Ukrainian children. He condemned their deportation and forced transfer from the occupied territories, as well as attempts to erase their identity through “re-education” and militarization programmes, acts that constitute war crimes.

Ukraine was attacked by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022. Since the beginning of the war, Moldova has received the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in Europe. During this period, refugees have benefited from social, medical, and educational assistance, as well as the opportunity to enter the labor market in Moldova.