Moldova Accuses Russia of Preparing Unprecedented Election Interference

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused the Kremlin of planning large-scale interference in the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28.

Speaking after a meeting of the Supreme Security Council, Sandu warned of a coordinated strategy to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty and derail its European integration path.

Kremlin’s Network: From Political Projects to Oligarch Financing

According to Sandu, Moscow is investing in several political projects designed to secure pro-Russian representation in the next parliament. She stated that a single coordination center oversees these initiatives, and networks linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor largely finance them.

The Moldovan leader expects a multi-pronged campaign that will include disinformation, manipulation of public opinion from abroad, paid protests, and attempts to disrupt voting in the diaspora.

Cyber Threats and Religious Influence

Sandu also warned of potential cyberattacks against Moldova’s election-related digital infrastructure and other critical national facilities. In addition, she said the Russian strategy involves using the Moldovan Orthodox Church and allied religious figures to amplify anti-European messages, alongside online influencers tasked with shaping public opinion.

“This should not intimidate us; it should mobilize us,” Sandu stressed. “Russian interference carries serious risks for public order and national security, and most importantly, it can dramatically undermine the sovereignty of the country and our European future.”

State Preparedness and Past Warnings

Sandu assured Moldovans that state institutions are aware of the threats and know how to respond. She called for “coordinated, professional” action by all government agencies to defend the national interest in the coming months.

The warning follows a recent decision by the Central Election Commission to reject the registration of the “Victory” bloc, linked to Shor, for the September elections. Shor, convicted in absentia of large-scale fraud, is considered a key channel for Russian political influence in Moldova.

Moscow’s Denial and Counterclaims

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Sandu’s accusations, telling Russian news agency Interfax that “Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.” He accused Chisinau of “suppressing” the electoral rights of Moldovans, particularly those living abroad, and called on Moldova to ensure their participation in the vote.

However, Moldovan officials and Western partners have repeatedly accused Moscow of targeting the country with hybrid tactics—including information warfare, political financing, and energy blackmail—to weaken its pro-EU course.