Moldova Commemorates Heroes of the Dniester Conflict

Chișinău marked 33 years since the outbreak of the armed conflict on the Dniester, honoring those who sacrificed their lives. President Maia Sandu, along with Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean, participated in the commemorations, which included a flower-laying ceremony, a Remembrance March, and a mourning rally at the Eternity Memorial Complex, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

"We did not want war, but we experienced it. We did not covet foreign territories, but we had to defend our land," said President Sandu, paying tribute to the 321 fallen heroes and thousands of injured. She emphasized Moldova’s aspiration to be part of a democratic, peaceful Europe and reiterated the demand for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldovan territory.

Sandu highlighted the need for unity against external attempts to divide the nation, stressing that Moldovans on both sides of the Dniester share common aspirations for a secure and dignified future. She also underscored the importance of educating younger generations about the sacrifices made for Moldova’s freedom and sovereignty.

The commemoration concluded with a tribute at the Grieving Mother monument and a soldier’s lunch for former combatants. The Dniester conflict, which lasted four months in 1992, left deep scars, with over 30,000 participants, 300 casualties, and thousands wounded. A ceasefire was signed on July 21, 1992, initiating political negotiations that continue today.

March 2 is officially recognized as Remembrance and Gratitude Day, dedicated to honoring the memory of those who fought for Moldova’s independence and sovereignty.