32 years since the death of Nikolai Ostapenko

Companions of Nikolai Ostapenko, the founders of the republic led by the First President of the PMR Igor Smirnov, defenders of Pridnestrovie, the leadership of Slobodzeya district, deputy of the Supreme Council Pavel Shinkaryuk gathered today at the capital's Memorial of Glory near the grave of Nikolai Ostapenko.

Ostapenko’s official car was fired upon as a result of a terrorist attack by the Bujor group on April 23, 1992. The deputy of the Supreme Council of the first convocation, the chairman of the Slobodzeya District Council, received many injuries. Nikolai Ostapenko died in the hospital a week later, on April 30.

Nikolai Ivanovich was one of the founders of Pridnestrovie as a state, was a deputy of the Provisional Supreme Council and the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic of the 1st convocation, and participated in the development of the first Constitution of the republic. He played an important role in the formation of the PMR and actively fought for the rights of the Pridnestrovian people in the period from 1990 to 1992.

A stele was constructed in memory of the tragedy at the entrance to the village of Karagash, where the attack took place on April 23, 1992. Residents of Slobodzeya, relatives and friends, comrades-in-arms, deputies of the Supreme Council of the PMR, representatives of public organizations, and youth come on this day to the monument to honor the memory of Nikolai Ostapenko every year.

The memory of Nikolai Ivanovich Ostapenko, one of the founders of the republic, a patriot who gave his life, strength and wisdom for the freedom and independence of our homeland, should not fade. His life and struggle remind us of the importance of unity, courage and dedication to the republic.