Russia’s Election Meddling to Undermine EU, Sandu Says

(MENAFN) Moldovan President Maia Sandu accused Russia on Tuesday of attempting to meddle in the country’s recent parliamentary elections to gain control in Chisinau, according to a local news agency.

Sandu insisted Moscow’s interference wasn’t driven by Moldova’s resources but by its critical geopolitical role. “The Republic of Moldova is a small country, we do not have metals or other great wealth. Russia did not want control of us, but because the ultimate target was the EU. Moldova was just a plateau from which it could harm the European Union,” she declared.

The president highlighted the resolute response from Moldovan voters, describing it as an “honest and courageous” act that affirmed the nation’s sovereign decision-making. “I believe that our example can be followed by other countries in the former Soviet Union, where Russia is trying to take control and limit sovereignty,” Sandu added.

She further noted that Russia’s leverage through energy and trade has weakened significantly. “It cannot shut off our gas, and soon we will put the Chisinau-Vulcanesti power line into operation, which offers us alternatives,” she said, emphasizing that Moldova’s market no longer depends on the Russian Federation.

Reaffirming a commitment to a peaceful domestic agenda, Sandu stressed the importance of leadership “loyal to this country” and called on the European Union to bolster resilience. “We want to live freely, we want small countries, like Moldova, to matter,” she said. “The Russian narrative is that only big states matter and others must align or submit. We don’t want that.”

Since applying for EU membership in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova received a green light in June 2024 when Brussels approved a negotiation framework—though the accession process faces resistance from some EU members.

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