The Kremlin's bet in the parliamentary elections in Moldova is to replace the country's leadership with people it can control, and then use the state against Ukraine.
This was stated by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, in an interview with the media, reported by Point.md.
Sandu emphasized that Ukraine remains Moldova's shield, and the authorities in Chisinau have a moral duty to prevent Moldova from being used against Ukraine.
"We saw unprecedented interference (by Russia in the Moldovan elections – ed.) last year, and it is quite obvious that this year Russia will try to influence the results (of the parliamentary elections – ed.). The Kremlin's bet is to change the country's leadership to people it can control. And it's not just about the Republic of Moldova because Russia's interests now are in Ukraine. If the Kremlin manages to control the government, it will use the Republic of Moldova against Ukraine," said the President.
She added that Moldova has a 1,200 km border with Ukraine, so there is a risk that Russia will try to drag Chisinau into the war.
"Imagine that overnight, this border goes from a border with a friendly country to a border with a country controlled by Moscow. Of course, there are risks for Ukraine, but at the same time, the risks for the Republic of Moldova also increase, because Russia could drag it into the war," said the President.
Sandu stressed that for the sake of citizens' security and to prevent further complicating the situation in Ukraine, this cannot be allowed.
