September 9, 2025
At a recent conference in Bucharest titled “Alături de Republica Moldova: Alianța pentru Adevăr și Libertate,” Ambassador Adrian Zuckerman delivered a powerful message of support for Moldova’s pro-European path and for President Maia Sandu’s leadership.
Hosted by Alianța and RePatriot on August 18, the event brought together voices from Romania, the United States, and Moldova to affirm a shared commitment to democratic values, liberty, and regional security.
“People from Alianța, RePatriot, the United States, and Romania stand with the people of Moldova,” Zuckerman said. “We support freedom, democracy, and personal liberty. We share the same values — all people are created equal, they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We will not abandon these principles.”
Zuckerman sharply criticized the influence of authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe, particularly Vladimir Putin’s ongoing efforts to destabilize democratic institutions. He described Putin as a dictator and criminal who wages war on freedom — not only in Ukraine, but across the region. Moldova, he said, remains on the front lines of this battle.
He also condemned the actions of individuals like Ilan Șor and Igor Dodon, whom he accused of working to undermine Moldova’s democracy through corruption, misinformation, and foreign influence. “Those involved in inciting unrest or manipulating elections must be held accountable,” Zuckerman emphasized.
Concerns were also raised about political actors in Romania, such as AUR and its leader George Simion, who has been banned from entering Moldova and Ukraine due to reported ties with Russian intelligence. Zuckerman warned that such figures act as agents of division and disinformation, with no regard for democratic values or the rule of law.
His message to Moldovans was clear: support those who are building a democratic, prosperous, European future — not those looking to tear it down.
Zuckerman closed by urging unity and vigilance: “Stand up for freedom, democracy, and human rights. Support Maia Sandu, the PAS party, and all those working to secure a better life for your families and your country.”
Read the transcript of the entire speech below:
The people of Alianța, Repatriot, the United States, and Romania stand with the people of Moldova. We support freedom, democracy, and personal liberty. We share the same values — all people are created equal, they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s what the United States Declaration of Independence says, and we have lived by that for many, many years. We will not abandon it now.
Unfortunately, we are now at war. Putin does not share these values. He is a dictator, a criminal, and he threatens the freedom and democracy of every European country. There is no moral equivalence between Putin and any democratically elected leader. He has launched both hybrid and kinetic warfare against nearly every European country. He invaded Ukraine and randomly killed innocent men, women, and children, and he has razed and destroyed numerous cities across Ukraine.
He has interfered in elections all over Europe — most recently in Romania, and before that in Germany. And he has lost. He can be defeated. Democracy and freedom can be preserved if people act together and have the courage to say NO.
We cannot allow criminals and oligarchs like Ilan Șor and Igor Dodon — and others — to manipulate elections in Moldova. As we saw on TV last night, Șor paid thousands of euros to generate chaos and street protests. All those people who were paid should be arrested, as should Șor, for inciting such unrest.
Moldova should be a better place for its citizens and for their children and grandchildren. Do not listen to Putin’s servants. Do not listen to political parties like AUR, whose leader Simion has been banned from Moldova and Ukraine because of his ties to Russian intelligence services. These people are liars, propagandists, and they do not care about democracy or civil liberties.
I hope every Moldovan and every member of every European country will rise up in support of freedom, democracy, and human rights. And in Moldova, I hope that every citizen supports Maia Sandu and the PAS party, and all those who want a better life for themselves and a better future for their families.
Thank you all.
