Moldovan Officials Alert to Possible Russian Meddling in Upcoming Elections and EU Bid – Sky Bulletin
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Authorities in Moldova have sounded the alarm over potential Russian efforts to undermine the nation’s stability in the run-up to critical political events, including a presidential election and a referendum regarding membership in the European Union, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on March 5.
Amid the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, concerns over the possibility of the conflict extending into Moldova have escalated. Russian interference and subversive activities in Moldovan politics have been openly challenged by local state representatives.
The director of Moldova’s intelligence service (SIS), Alexandru Musteata, disclosed details about an alleged Russian campaign to impede Moldova’s progress toward European integration and to bring the country back under Moscow’s influence.
At a news briefing on March 5, Musteata outlined a Russian strategy for 2024 and 2025 that includes backing pro-Russian politicians with connections to their intelligence agencies, organized criminal networks, and the Kremlin’s leaders.
The strategy purportedly aims to thwart the pro-EU referendum slated for the autumn of 2024 and to influence the subsequent presidential election in which incumbent President Maia Sandu, a staunch defender of the EU pathway for Moldova, plans to seek re-election.
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Musteata also highlighted the possibility of Russia manipulating the 2025 parliamentary polls through allies of the exiled pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor.
Ahead of these pivotal votes, Moscow is accused of fomenting “socio-political crises” and engineer “social clashes,” especially by exploiting the ethnic tensions surrounding the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria and the autonomous Gaguaia zone.
Since the 1990s, Russia has maintained a military presence in Transnistria under the pretext of defending Russian-speaking populations. Calls for Russian protection by Transnistrian authorities have recently intensified, although the Kremlin has stopped short of a clear response.
Gagauzia, known for its Turkic-speaking minority and autonomy within Moldova, has been identified as the country’s most Russian-aligned region.
Kyiv declared its intent to ‘firmly respond’ should Moscow endeavor to drag Transnistria into Ukraine’s conflict
In light of escalating Russian provocations, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed its readiness to take decisive action against any attempts to involve Transnistria in the ongoing war or to further destabilize Moldova.
FAQ About Russian Interference in Moldova’s Political Affairs
Q: What are the major events in Moldova concerning which interference has been warned?
A: The Moldovan intelligence agency has warned of possible Russian interference in the presidential election, a referendum on EU membership, and the 2025 parliamentary elections.
Q: Who is the current President of Moldova, and what is her stance on the EU?
A: The current President is Maia Sandu. She is pro-European Union and has been actively working towards Moldova’s integration into the EU.
Q: What regions of Moldova are considered to be influenced by Russia?
A: Transnistria, which is under de facto Russian control, and Gagauzia, an autonomous region with a majority of pro-Russian sentiment, are seen as influenced by Russia.
Q: Who is Ilan Shor?
A: Ilan Shor is a fugitive pro-Russian oligarch who is believed to have connections with political forces that Russia might support to achieve its aims in Moldova.
Conclusion
The warning from Moldova’s intelligence service regarding Russian interference in the nation’s upcoming electoral events and EU bid signifies the broader geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe. As Moldova edges closer to the EU and continues to assert its sovereignty, vigilance against external efforts to destabilize and manipulate political outcomes becomes increasingly critical. The geopolitical dynamics in this region remain complex and delicate, with implications that extend well beyond Moldova’s borders.
Note: We, TheUBJ, do not produce the news content exhibited here. We have rephrased and synthesized information from diverse internet sources through AI news feed technology. Our publication does not own or claim any rights over the news material. For reference, the original link from https://kyivindependent.com/moldova-warns-of-russian-interference-in-elections-eu-accession/ is provided.
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