LONDON: The United States, Britain and Canada on Thursday warned of a Russian “plot” to influence Moldova’s presidential elections this fall and “incite protests” if a pro-Russian candidate fails to win in the East European country, which shares borders with Ukraine.
The warning, conveyed through a statement released by the US Department of State, underscored the alleged intentions of “Russian actors” to manipulate the electoral process and sow discord in Moldova. With the incumbent pro-European President Maia Sandu seeking a second term in office, concerns about Russian interference in Moldovan politics have been repeatedly raised, particularly in light of the upcoming elections and a concurrent referendum on joining the European Union.
The statement emphasized the need to change democratic partners and allies about the ongoing efforts by Russian operatives to influence Moldova’s political landscape. Russian actors are allegedly engaging in disinformation campaigns and propaganda tactics, including spreading falsehoods about President Sandu and casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.
“We are taking this step to warn our democratic partners and allies that Russian actors are carrying out a plot to influence the outcomes of Moldova’s fall 2024 presidential election,” the countries said.
Moreover, the warning reiterated President Sandu’s apprehensions regarding the Kremlin’s alleged use of criminal networks to finance political activities and undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions. The vote set for October 20 will also include a referendum about joining the European Union.
They said Russian operators were “agitating criticism” via disinformation and propaganda, including “spreading lies about the incumbent president’s character and intentions, and about supposed electoral irregularities”.
“Russia is currently supporting candidates for Moldova’s presidency and is exacerbating societal tensions,” the statement said.
“We share President Sandu’s strong concerns about the Kremlin’s use of criminal groups to finance political activities and undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions,” it added.
On Wednesday, the United States announced sanctions against the governor of Moldova’s Gagauzia region, Evghenia Gutul, over her links to Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch who has emerged as an unofficial opposition leader.
Shor, who has been convicted of fraud in absentia and is currently based in Moscow, has emerged as a prominent figure within Moldova’s opposition ranks, organizing demonstrations against the pro-European government since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The US sanctions target Shor and his associates for “their Kremlin-backed illegal political interference efforts”.
