Moldovan President Maia Sandu acknowledged that the country does not actually have a combat-ready army, and this situation must be changed. According to Newsmaker, she said this in a speech marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the National Army General Staff and State Flag Day.

"For 30 years, the Moldovan army was left without equipment, without military hardware and fighting means. Now we are aware of the consequences," Maia Sandu said during the ceremony.

The President acknowledged that Moldova "does not have an effective shield against threats, because it has not developed a proper military capacity, it has not developed critical infrastructure and it has not developed social resilience.

She noted that, at the same time, Moldova's military, which participates in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN and the OSCE, enjoys a reputation of professionals.

Maya Sandu said having a well-trained army gives the country self-confidence and freedom of strategic choice, and Moldova must make every effort to create a professional, modern force.

"This is an investment in the security and defense of the country... Now, when there is a war right on our borders, we understand this very well," she stressed.