The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has warned that her country’s independence and future in Europe are under threat after police arrested dozens of individuals linked to a supposed plot to incite violent disorder, allegedly funded by Russia.
Days before a crucial parliamentary election, Moldovan authorities reported that they confiscated weapons and explosives during raids, detaining 74 suspects, some of whom allegedly received military training in Serbia with Russian assistance.
In a national address, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of investing hundreds of millions of euros into destabilizing efforts in Moldova, aiming to instill fear and spread misinformation.
The Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory, Sandu declared, emphasizing the importance of protecting Moldovan sovereignty. But Moldova is our home. And our home is not for sale.
As pro-Russian parties criticize Sandu for allegedly seeking to intimidate voters, she has urged her supporters to actively participate in the upcoming election, warning that the dominance of pro-EU forces is at risk.
Moldova, which declared its independence with the collapse of the USSR over 30 years ago, has a sizable Russian-speaking population and faces ongoing challenges from Russian influence, especially in the breakaway region of Transnistria, where Moscow maintains military troops.
Under Sandu's leadership, Moldova has taken significant steps toward EU membership, culminating in a recent referendum that sought to enshrine the goal of accession in the constitution, albeit amid allegations of Russian interference.
As the election approaches, Sandu's call for high voter turnout is perceived as a crucial factor in preserving Moldova's pro-European direction against escalating Russian hybrid attacks.
Adding to the tensions, reports suggest that Russia has devised plans to incite unrest and manipulate the election outcome, with the Russian intelligence service publicly questioning the integrity of the electoral process in Moldova.
Experts warn that should pro-Russian parties gain influence, the Kremlin may resort to staged attacks and violence to assert its agenda in the region.
