Maia Sandu
Parliamentary elections have begun in Moldova, which will determine the composition of the legislative body for the next four years. Voting will take place from 7:00 to 21:00 at 2274 polling stations, of which 1973 are open on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the elections in Moldova are not purely an internal matter, as Russia seeks to hinder the country's European choice. He emphasized that Russia wants to bring a government and president loyal to it to power, and then introduce troops.
On September 28, Moldovan citizens will vote in parliamentary elections that will decide whether the country maintains its course towards the EU or leans towards Russia. Large-scale disinformation campaigns supported by the Kremlin are creating a tense situation, and President Maia Sandu is urging citizens not to succumb to manipulation.
Russia financed trips for Moldovan Orthodox priests to Moscow and provided them with debit cards, after which the clergy created Telegram channels to influence elections in Moldova. The campaign's goal was to warn believers about integration with the EU and promote traditional Russian values.
Russian propagandists claim that NATO is preparing to occupy Moldova by concentrating troops in Romania and Odesa. The NSDC Center for Countering Disinformation refutes these statements, calling them an information provocation by the Kremlin to destabilize the situation before the elections.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on citizens to support the European course, emphasizing that pro-Russian forces could turn the country into a springboard for Russian troops in Odesa region. She noted that Moscow spends millions on bribing voters and has accomplices in Moldova.
Russia has developed a multi-pronged strategy to interfere in Moldova's September 28 elections, aimed at undermining the chances of President Maia Sandu's party and removing her from power. The plan includes voter recruitment, organizing protests, disinformation, and pressuring officials.
The BBC has uncovered a secret network, funded by Russia, that is trying to undermine democratic elections in Moldova on September 28. Participants in the network were promised money for spreading pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation against the pro-European party.
These materials contain numerous errors, and the dates of "treatment" coincide with Sandu's official meetings in Moldova, which refutes the fake.
Ukraine supports democratic elections in the neighboring country and is ready to help Moldova move towards EU membership.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that Russia has intensified its online disinformation campaign and is using Orthodox priests and a network of "matryoshka" bots to interfere in elections. She also noted that Russia spent funds equivalent to about 1% of Moldova's GDP on election interference last year.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country would not withstand Russian pressure without joining the EU, as the Kremlin is waging "an endless hybrid war. " Sandu emphasized that the European path is a matter of survival, not just values.
On August 29, the parliamentary election campaign began in Moldova. President Maia Sandu called for responsibility and warned of external interference.
The President of France, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Poland will visit Moldova. Their visit is intended to support the country's pro-European course and remind of an alternative to Russia.
On the morning of August 7, searches are taking place across Moldova in a case of voter bribery and illegal financing. The police promise to provide details later.
Russia has focused its efforts on the Moldovan diaspora in Europe, using disinformation and fake media to influence the upcoming elections. This campaign aims to demoralize voters and manipulate their choice in favor of pro-Russian forces.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced unprecedented Russian interference in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Kremlin is financing political projects and planning voter bribery, disinformation, cyberattacks, and the involvement of the church.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu initiates a meeting of the Supreme Security Council. Foreign interference in the upcoming parliamentary elections will be discussed.
EU foreign ministers approved a new package of sanctions against pro-Kremlin individuals and organizations accused of destabilizing Moldova. This happened after statements by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service about Moldova allegedly preparing for a conflict with Russia.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated her country's readiness to help Ukraine in developing logistics communication lines with Moldova and Romania. This concerns corridors for Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv, as well as ensuring infrastructure.
EU ambassadors approved sanctions against 7 individuals and 3 organizations accused of destabilizing the situation in Moldova. The sanctions will officially come into force next week.
Ilan Shor's pro-Russian political bloc "Victory" announced its participation in Moldova's parliamentary elections. The list will be headed by Evghenia Guțul, head of Gagauzia, with the aim of "overthrowing the fascist regime" and holding early elections.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country's future in the EU depends on Moldovans ahead of the September parliamentary elections. The EU has allocated the first tranche of 270 million euros for Moldova.
The President of Romania and the PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR parties have reached an agreement on the formation of a new government. They still have to agree on the distribution of ministries and key positions.
During the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit, additional defense packages from some countries were confirmed. Support for Ukraine's energy resilience was also discussed.
Ukraine, Moldova and Romania are deepening cooperation in the field of security, energy and economy. Special attention is paid to supporting Moldova and countering Russian threats.
The President of Moldova stated that the country is facing a hybrid war from russia. Sandu called for regional cooperation to counter security threats.
Zelensky said that Ukraine will help Moldova avoid energy blackmail by the Russian Federation, which is using the occupied Transnistria. Ukraine will also help reduce the risks for Chisinau.
Zelenskyy, together with the leaders of the countries participating in the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit, honored the memory of fallen soldiers in Odesa. Foreign guests were told the stories of Ukrainian defenders.
On June 3, composer Eugen Doga died in Moldova. National mourning has been declared in the country. Doga was the author of music for famous films and advocated for the integrity of Moldova.