The Republic of Moldova is on the front line of a historic confrontation: defending democracy against the hybrid war waged by Putin’s regime — propaganda, corruption, intimidation, and destabilization. The message comes from eight former American ambassadors — Adrian Zuckerman, Mark Gitenstein, Kathleen Kavalec, Jim Rosapepe, James D. Pettit, James S. Gilmore III, and Kent D. Logsdon.
These diplomats represented the USA in Chișinău, Bucharest, and within the OSCE. They reiterated support for Maia Sandu and Moldova’s state institutions, emphasizing that “there is no middle ground between freedom and tyranny.”
“Solidarity with the Republic of Moldova
The Republic of Moldova is on the frontline of a historic struggle: defending democracy against Putin’s hybrid war of propaganda, corruption, intimidation, and destabilization.
We stand with President Maia Sandu, the Government, the Parliament, and every citizen who chooses democracy, justice, European integration, and true sovereignty. There is no middle ground between freedom and tyranny — Moldova’s choice is the free world’s choice: freedom.
The parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025 will decide Moldova’s future. A victory of pro‑Russian forces would shake regional security, threaten NATO’s eastern flank, and hand the Kremlin another launchpad for aggression against Romania and Ukraine.
Now is the moment to reject Russian disinformation, to defend truth, liberty, and democracy, and to secure Moldova’s European path. Moldova’s freedom is our freedom.
In the face of lies, choose Truth.
In the face of tyranny, choose Freedom.
In the face of fear, choose Democracy.
We stand with the Republic of Moldova — stand with us!
Signatories
• Amb. Adrian Zuckerman (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2019–2021)
• Amb. Mark Gitenstein (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2009–2012)
• Amb. Kathleen Kavalec (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2023–2025)
• Amb. Jim Rosapepe (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Romania (1998–2001)
• Amb. James D. Pettit (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Moldova (2015–2018)
• Amb. James S. Gilmore III (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (2019–2021)
• Amb. Michael R. Carpenter (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (2021–2024)
• Amb. Kent D. Logsdon (ret.) — U.S. Ambassador to Moldova (2022–2024),” the ex-ambassadors stated.
The former officials urge citizens, as well as Western states, to reject Russian disinformation, defend truth, freedom, and democracy, and ensure Moldova’s European path.