The Republic of Moldova – 35 years of independence
The leaders of Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine met in Chișinău on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Moldova.
Daniela Budu, 28.08.2026, 14:00
The Republic of Moldova celebrated 35 years of independence from the Soviet Union on Thursday, and Romanian President Nicușor Dan attended the events organized for the occasion in Chișinău.
The Romanian head of state and pro-Western Moldovan President Maia Sandu attended the military parade in the Grand National Assembly Square, which featured over 2,000 troops from the Republic of Moldova and nine partner countries, including Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, France, and the United States.
Prior to these events, Nicușor Dan was received by Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace, where the two heads of state held a one-on-one meeting. European integration, energy security, and interconnection projects, as well as resilience, combating disinformation, and countering hybrid threats were among the topics addressed.
In the second half of the day, Chișinău hosted the Republic of Moldova–Romania–Ukraine trilateral meeting, during which the leaders of the three states pledged to work together to strengthen resilience against external threats.
Presidents Nicușor Dan, Maia Sandu, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that regional security depends on solidarity among the three neighboring states and on their collective ability to respond to threats from Russia.
Following the meeting, Nicușor Dan assured that Romania supports the European path of Chișinău and Kyiv, as well as Ukraine in the face of the Russian Federation’s aggression. Infrastructure projects, energy connectivity, defense against Russian drones, and European integration were, according to Nicușor Dan, the main topics discussed during the trilateral meeting.
“This meeting is proof that each of us has the maturity to understand the responsibility we share for the security and stability of this region, as well as the threats our countries are facing. We can work together to prevent this type of aggression.”
For her part, President Maia Sandu stated that “independence is stronger when it relies on solid ties and dependable partners.” She noted that the Republic of Moldova is fortunate to have Romania and Ukraine as neighbors and friends with whom it shares the values of peace, freedom, and democracy. In this context, she thanked Romania for its constant support offered to the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine for its resistance against Russian aggression.
“Thirty-five years ago, during this week in August, the map of our region was changing. We were three poor countries on the edge of Europe, with ruined economies and an uncertain future. Today, three European states sit at the same table, respected across Europe and the world.”
In turn, Kyiv leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Romania and the Republic of Moldova for the support provided to Ukraine since the start of Russian aggression. He added that “the three states must assist one another in strengthening their security and resilience against external threats and coordinate their efforts on the path toward the European integration of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.”
As a reminder, the Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991, and Romania was the first country to officially recognize the new state on that very same day. (VP)
