Chisinau: Ukrainian prisoners who have returned home from Russia "are people who deserve" the Nobel Peace Prize, Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed after discussing her own nomination for the award.

According to Anadolu Agency, the leader of Norway's Green Party, lawmaker Arild Hermstad, proposed Sandu for nomination, acknowledging her efforts to defend democracy amidst Russian attempts at influence and destabilization, which include cyberattacks, disinformation, and political pressure.

Sandu remarked to the Moldovan outlet TV8 that witnessing the return of Ukrainian prisoners emphasized their deservingness of the Peace Prize. She appreciated the Norwegian lawmaker's gesture, acknowledging the prisoners' sacrifices for peace and regional security.

She highlighted that these individuals give their lives for peace, aiming to restore it in their country, villages, and cities, and across the continent. "They deserve it first and foremost," Sandu emphasized, expressing hope for a swift arrival of peace.