Moldovan President Accuses Russia of Plotting to Meddle in Upcoming Elections

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of planning unprecedented interference in the country's September elections through electoral corruption and illegal financing, urging increased vigilance to protect democracy.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has issued a grave warning, accusing Russia of preparing to interfere in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for September. The accusation marks a significant escalation in tensions between Chișinău and Moscow, amid growing concerns over foreign influence in Eastern Europe.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, President Sandu said the most serious threats facing Moldova’s democratic process are electoral corruption and illegal external financing—both of which, she claimed, are being orchestrated by the Kremlin.

“There are unprecedented plans to interfere in our elections,” Sandu stated. “We are seeing clear evidence of efforts by the Russian state to manipulate the outcome and exert control over Moldova’s political direction.”

The Moldovan leader did not elaborate on specific intelligence but emphasised the need for heightened national and international vigilance in the lead-up to the vote. She also called on democratic allies to support Moldova in countering external threats and safeguarding the integrity of its electoral system.

Sandu, a pro-European reformist who has repeatedly clashed with Moscow since taking office, has made strengthening Moldova’s democratic institutions and reducing Russian influence a central theme of her presidency. Her government has already expelled several suspected Russian operatives and ramped up cooperation with Western security services.

Russian officials have not yet publicly responded to Sandu’s allegations, though the Kremlin has previously denied interfering in Moldovan affairs. However, analysts note that Moldova—sandwiched between Ukraine and EU member Romania—remains strategically significant for Russia, particularly given its aspirations to align more closely with the European Union.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which monitors elections in the region, has been notified of the concerns and is expected to dispatch observers to monitor the upcoming vote.

Sandu’s remarks come amid broader warnings across the region about Moscow’s alleged use of covert funding, media manipulation, and cyber tactics to sway democratic processes.

“The Moldovan people have the right to freely choose their future,” President Sandu declared. “We will not allow foreign powers to decide it for them.”

As the country moves closer to a critical election, Moldova’s government is expected to unveil new counter-disinformation measures and electoral safeguards in the coming weeks.