(MENAFN) Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated on Tuesday that Russia tried to sway the nation’s recent parliamentary elections to assert control over Chisinau, as reported by state news outlets.

Sandu explained that Moscow’s interest was not truly in Moldova itself, but rather in its strategic location.

“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 said.

She highlighted that Moldovan citizens responded with an “honest and courageous” vote, sending a clear signal that political decisions remain in domestic hands.

“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 noted.

The president added that Russia can no longer leverage energy or trade to influence Moldova.

“It cannot shut off our gas, and soon we will put the Chisinau-Vulcanesti power line into operation, which offers us alternatives,” she said, stressing that the nation’s market is now independent of the Russian Federation.

Sandu underscored Moldova’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful domestic agenda with leaders “loyal to this country” and encouraged the EU to reinforce its 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.”

Moldova submitted its application to join the European Union in 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. By June 2024, Brussels approved a framework for negotiations with Chisinau, although some member states have opposed the process.

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