Moldova's Independence at Risk: President Sandu Raises Alarm Ahead of Elections

Tue Sep 23 2025 21:48:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Moldova's President Maia Sandu has issued a stark warning about the country's independence being threatened by Russian-backed plots, just days before crucial parliamentary elections.

In a critical announcement ahead of Moldova's parliamentary elections, President Maia Sandu has raised alarms over Russian interference, citing arrests related to a plot designed to incite violence and chaos. Amidst ongoing tensions and the looming election, Sandu emphasizes the need for a strong pro-European turnout to safeguard Moldova's sovereignty and democratic future.

The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has warned that her country's independence and European future are in danger after police arrested dozens of people accused of involvement in a plot to stoke violent disorder, allegedly backed by Russia.

Just days before Sunday's pivotal parliamentary elections, Moldovan police said they had confiscated weapons and explosives in raids across the country.

They allege that some of the 74 detainees had traveled to Serbia for training by Russian instructors, including training with firearms.

Addressing the nation, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of \u201cpouring hundreds of millions of euros\u201d into Moldova in an attempt to foment violence and spread disinformation and fear.

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, the president declared, highlighting Russian involvement at the highest levels.

But Moldova is our home. And our home is not for sale.

Pro-Russian parties have accused Sandu of attempting to intimidate them and sway the vote.

In her plea, Sandu urged supporters to cast their ballots, emphasizing that the pro-Russian forces are poised to threaten the pro-EU status quo in a climate of uncertainty.

Moldova's independence has been particularly challenging given its significant Russian-speaking population and the presence of Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Under President Sandu, Moldova has undertaken steps towards EU membership and held a referendum last year to enshrine the goal of accession in the constitution.

However, a narrow victory in that referendum combined with extensive evidence of Russian meddling has raised concerns ahead of the elections.

The police actions and reported plans from Russia to incite unrest have sparked fears of potential violence or staged incidents should pro-European forces retain power. As the election day approaches, Moldova is caught in a geopolitical struggle between pro-EU aspirations and the looming shadow of Russian influence.