#Exhibit of the Month

The work In Memoriam. In Memory of the Heroes Who Fell at the Nistru (1992) was developed within the Center for Culture and Military History and published under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Bureau for Reintegration, and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova. Authors: Gheorghe Bălan, Vitalie Ciobanu, Gheorghe Cojocaru.

This work provides a retrospective of the events that led to the outbreak of the war on the Nistru, accompanied by photographs of the heroes who lost their lives in the battles to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

On March 2, 1992, the political conflict in the Nistru region escalated into a true fratricidal war. Under the fabricated pretext of "defending Russia's southern borders," political adventurers from the former Soviet metropolis encouraged Transnistrian separatism by arming secessionist paramilitary groups. At the same time, thousands of mercenary Cossacks and prisoners released early from jails, along with tanks and missiles, were sent against Independent Moldova, in a desperate attempt to revive the fallen empire.

Russia's undeclared war against the Republic of Moldova left behind hundreds of dead and wounded, shattered families, and villages in ruins. More than 50,000 peaceful residents from the conflict zone were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge from the horrors of war.

For the sake of freedom and the future, Moldova's defenders faced death, enduring the hardships and humiliations of war.

During the Nistru war, 198 soldiers of the National Army and 89 personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs lost their lives, while 40 combatants went missing without a trace, and nearly 300 were left disabled.

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Events Archive

Opening of the Photography Exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance"

February 28, 2025

On February 28, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the photography exhibition "The Phenomenon of Resistance", an event organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova.

Curated by the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, the exhibition brings to the forefront deeply moving stories of children who returned home from deportation, as well as civilians and prisoners of war who were held captive by the Russian Federation.

Marking three years since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the event gathered high-ranking officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Ukrainian community in Moldova, journalists, and students. Among the distinguished guests was the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, Paun Rohova, who emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of these tragic yet defining stories.

During the event, the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people:

"This exhibition is a powerful testimony that human resistance is stronger than any oppression. It stands as proof of the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. For three years, these individuals have faced unimaginable hardships, yet their courage and determination have never wavered. The European Union stands with Ukraine because this is not just their fight - it is a fight for freedom, justice, and the values we all share."

Dmitri Lekartev, President of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova, spoke about the solidarity shown by the Moldovan people during these difficult times:

"We have demonstrated an unprecedented level of solidarity, opening our hearts and homes to those seeking refuge, showing the world that humanity knows no borders. This support has not gone unnoticed - in October last year, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova were honored with the prestigious Nansen Award, granted by UNHCR. The world has seen that our country, though small on the map, has a great heart, full of kindness and compassion. Now, in the third year of war, Ukrainians continue to feel our support, which gives them the strength to move forward."

The exhibition will be open to the public until March 28, 2025, on the fence of the National Museum of History, Chișinău, 121A, 31 August 1989 Street.