ABOUT US

Organisation





values

COOPERATION
TRANSPARENCY


INCLUSION
Mission
Vision
IMPACT
Community
Moldova is home to a Ukrainian community of more than 250,000 people living on both sides of the Dniester River. For centuries, Ukrainians and Moldovans have lived side by side with each other, sharing a deep cultural and historical connection. With more than 600 years of heritage, the Ukrainian community in Moldova has preserved its identity through traditions, language and values, contributing to the history of Moldova even in the face of today's challenges. According to the 2024 Moldovan census results, 117,659 citizens in Moldova identify themselves as Ukrainians.
Today, Ukrainians are the largest ethnic minority in Moldova, making up more than 10% of the population, including both local Ukrainians and refugees. Since Russia's invasion of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainian presence in Moldova has increased significantly, with over a million refugees crossing the border of the country. Moldovan citizens, civil society organizations andgovernment institutions have come together to provide them with the support they need and to create an atmosphere ofsupport and create an atmosphere of unity. About 135,000 refugees from Ukraine have made Moldova their second home, joining the existing community. Together, they make up a single Ukrainian community, united by language, traditions, and solidarity. However, this community needs structured support to overcome its unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
Before XX century
Geographically close, Ukrainians and Moldovans lived side by side for centuries, exchanging culture and forming strong social ties. This is evidenced by similarities in our national clothes, cuisine, traditions and beliefs. Oldest Ukrainian villages were founded 600 years ago, making Ukrainians witnesses and participants of major events of Moldovan history. Living peacefully in Moldova, Ukrainians preserved their identity and customs throughout the time.
XX century
In the 20th century, ethnic Ukrainians in Moldova lived through significant political changes. Before the 1917 revolution, they primarily engaged in agriculture. In 1940, Ukrainians, like other ethnic groups, faced repression, collectivisation, and deportations. Despite the challenges and difficulties posed by changing political regimes, they did their best to preserve their cultural identity.
2004
Recovering from the Soviet occupation, Moldova chose European integration vector. Civil society and ethnic minorities sought new forms for better development. In this context, the Association of Ukrainian Youth of Moldova "Zlagoda" was founded offering anew direction and dynamic for the Ukrainian community in Moldova. "Zlagoda" has prioritised education, experience exchange, preservation of identity, and promotion of the cultural heritage of Ukrainians in Moldova using a modern community-based approach.
2021
National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova was established to unite the Ukrainian community of Moldova under a single brand. NCUM includes ethical Ukrainians,representatives of civil society, community leaders, cultural organisations, local authorities as well as women & youth. NCUM’s mission is to unite and support Ukrainians in Moldova, protect their rights,promote their participation in economic and social processes at all levels.
2022 - to date
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova has become a key organisation, implementing projects and representing the interests of the Ukrainian community of Moldova at both national and international levels. Responding swiftly to the situation with refugees, the NCUM provides essential support and resources, and implements projects focused on the integration of refugees, access to education and healthcare, as well as organising events to strengthen social ties and adaptation in a new environment. Through this work, the NCUM contributes not only to addressing current issues but also to building a sustainable future for the Ukrainian community in Moldova.
MANDATES









Strategy

Board





TEAM

Administrator
Dmitri Lecartev
Mr. Lecartev is part on the National Commission for European Integration under the President of Moldova and represents the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Moldova. Dmitri Lecartev also represents the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairs the Commission on Autochthonous Ukrainians of the World Congress of Ukrainians. He is a member of the Coordinating Council of the Agency for Interethnic Relations. With over 20 years of experience in civic engagement, Dmitri has led national and international initiatives focused on minority rights, humanitarian response, and Moldova’s European integration. For more details click here.
Program


Irina Basiul


Ekaterina Katkova


Valeria Eni
Project Implementation


Roman Russu


Elena Petroia


Hanna Hafarova


Tetiana Prokhorova


Viktoria Korlinska


Evhenia Ogurtsova


Maryna Diskalenko
External Relations


Olesea Cazacu


Evangelina Vandekerghof
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Oleksandra Zinchenko
Legal & Finance


Tatiana Motoc


Valentina Comarova


Elena Levitcaia
Logistics

