Russia will attempt to influence the presidential elections in Moldova scheduled for this fall, according to a joint statement from the governments of the USA, Britain, and Canada.
The governments of these three countries emphasized their concern, shared by Moldova's President Maia Sandu, regarding Kremlin-backed criminal groups financing political activities and undermining Moldova's democratic institutions.
According to information from the USA, Britain, and Canada, Russian entities in Moldova are conspiring to influence the outcome of the presidential elections. They plan to initiate protests in the country if a pro-Western politician remains the head of state. Additionally, individuals affiliated with the Kremlin aim to stoke negative sentiments towards Western countries and Moldova's current leadership within society.
The joint statement specifies that the Kremlin supports pro-Russian presidential candidates in Moldova. These politicians are actively spreading disinformation about Sandu to incite protests.
"We will continue to support Moldova and the Moldovan people as they manage Kremlin interference and the impacts of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. We strongly support Moldova’s democratic, economic, security, and anti-corruption reforms. By revealing the Kremlin’s plot, we are making it clear to Moscow that we stand for free and fair elections and will not tolerate its attempts to meddle and undermine democratic processes. We urge the Kremlin to abandon these efforts to subvert Moldova’s democracy and to respect its sovereignty and the outcomes of free, fair, and independent elections. We will continue to stand with all of our friends, partners, and Allies in defense of our shared democratic values and freedoms," stated the three countries.
