Moldova's Independence at Risk as President Sandu Signals Kremlin Interference

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:25:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the shadow of looming elections, Moldovan President Maia Sandu warns of Russian-backed plots threatening the nation's independence and pro-European stance.

In a tense pre-election atmosphere, President Maia Sandu of Moldova has raised alarms over threats to national sovereignty allegedly stemming from Russian interference. Following police raids that resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals accused of plotting violent unrest, Sandu asserts that Moldova's independence and European aspirations are at risk. With a significant parliamentary vote approaching, the president emphasizes the need for a unified front against potential attempts to undermine the democratic process.

In an urgent address to the nation, President Maia Sandu of Moldova has expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing threats to her country’s independence and its aspirations to join the European Union. With key parliamentary elections just days away, Sandu's warnings come in the wake of police operations that resulted in the arrest of dozens of individuals linked to a violent plot purportedly funded by Russia.

Authorities reported seizing weapons and explosives during recent raids, claiming that some of the suspects received training in Serbia from Russian instructors. Sandu charged the Kremlin with investing heavily in destabilizing Moldova’s socio-political landscape through financial support aimed at inciting fear and disorder.

“The Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory,” Sandu starkly remarked, reaffirming her commitment to safeguarding Moldova's sovereignty.

Pro-Russian factions in Moldova have accused Sandu's administration of election intimidation, amid fears that the pro-European status quo may shift with the increasing power of opposition parties. Sandu has called for significant voter turnout, particularly from Moldovans living abroad, as her Party of Action and Solidarity faces challenges from pro-Russian forces.

Moldova, which declared independence from the Soviet Union over three decades ago, is grappling with substantial internal divisions, primarily along linguistic lines, and a significant pro-Russian sentiment in certain regions. The ongoing threat from Moscow has intensified since the Russia-Ukraine war, compelling a shift in Moldova's foreign policy toward Western alignment.

As concerns grow over possible electoral manipulation, Sandu's government is defending its efforts to promote transparency and deter corruption. With Russian support lingering in Moldovan politics, the urgency for a decisive election outcome has never been more critical.

Documented evidence of Russian meddling, including attempts to influence past referendum results, has exacerbated fears regarding the integrity of Moldova’s democratic processes. Underlining this precarious state, Sandu's administration remains vigilant against further acts of destabilization and manipulation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.