On July 30, 2025, Moldovan President Maia Sandu warned that Moscow is planning to interfere in the upcoming parliamentary elections to secure victory for pro-Russian forces. Speaking at a press conference in Chișinău, Sandu accused Russia of orchestrating an unprecedented campaign to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty and pull the country back into its geopolitical orbit.
Allegations of massive covert operations and financial influence
Sandu detailed that Moscow aims to deploy a complex and coordinated operation involving disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, paid protests, and manipulation through Orthodox Church channels to radicalize and intimidate segments of the population. She claimed Russia plans to funnel €100 million in illicit funding through cryptocurrency to bribe voters and support pro-Russian candidates. Authorities have already imposed 25,000 fines for such unlawful activities. The Kremlin denied these accusations. Sandu also criticized Telegram, the main platform used against her, for failing to address complaints about misinformation.
Threats to Moldova’s stability and European integration
The Moldovan leader stressed that Russian interference poses a direct threat to national security, sovereignty, and the country’s European future. Should pro-Russian parties come to power, they could halt EU integration reforms and suspend accession talks. There is a risk of increased anti-Western policies, including the expulsion of Western institutions and media, potentially leading to regional destabilization, particularly concerning the breakaway region of Transnistria. This could undermine Moldova’s internal stability and its role in regional security dynamics.
Regional implications for Ukraine and wider European security
Pro-Russian governance in Moldova might also jeopardize support agreements for Ukraine and disrupt border controls against Russian agents, weakening the anti-Putin front in Eastern Europe. Moscow’s aim is to create a new zone of tension near Ukraine’s southwestern border, possibly legitimizing Transnistria as a leverage tool. This interference threatens the democratic framework of Europe broadly, undermining the principles of free elections essential to the EU’s stability. Sandu’s warnings highlight the risk that successful manipulation in Moldova could set a dangerous precedent for neighboring countries like Georgia and Armenia.
Calls for coordinated Western response against covert Russian tactics
The president urged Western democracies to strengthen sanctions and restrict access for “shadow tankers” to international ports, enhancing transparency over ship ownership and insurance. She advocated for a unified strategy by the G7 and EU to counter illegal activities by these “shadow fleets,” describing the issue as a global security, environmental, and justice challenge beyond mere energy transportation.
According to a recent AFP-backed poll, Sandu’s party, Action and Solidarity, commands support from about 39% of voters, though roughly a third remain undecided ahead of the September elections.
This development underscores rising geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe as Russia intensifies hybrid warfare tactics to maintain influence in its near abroad.
