On Monday, Moldova’s president accused Russia of orchestrating a coup, after charges by Ukraine’s president that Moscow intended to destabilize the former Soviet state.
According to Maia Sandu, Russia is planning a coup in Moldova with the support of foreign citizens who have received military training.
“Through violent actions, masked as protests of the so-called opposition, the change of power in Chisinau would be forced,” Sandu told a press briefing.
Moldova’s president went on to say that the country’s intelligence service has studied documents given by “Ukrainian partners” that “demonstrate a good documentation of the locations and logistical aspects for the organization of these subversive activities.”
During a speech to the European Parliament last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of Moscow’s plans to destabilize the former Soviet state.
“The plan involves the use of people from outside the country for violent actions. For example, the materials contain instructions on the rules of entry into the Republic of Moldova for citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro,” she added.
Russia’s motivations include sabotaging Moldova’s European Union integration process and gaining control of Chisinau so that the country can be utilized in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continuing battle in neighboring Ukraine, according to the head of state.
“The purpose of these actions is to overthrow the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from Chisinau to an illegitimate one, which would put our country at the disposal of Russia,” Sandu warned.
Sandu vowed to hold accountable everyone involved in the Kremlin’s intentions for Moldova.
“The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed. Let’s keep calm. Let’s believe in the Republic of Moldova,” she added.
The speech follows Sandu nominating former Interior Minister Dorin Recean to take the place of Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, who resigned from her position following an 18-month tumultuous tenure marked by an economic crisis and ripples from Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine.
Last April, tensions in Moldova escalated following a series of explosions in Transnistria, a Russia-backed separatist territory of Moldova where Russia has approximately 1,500 troops, raising fears that it would be drawn into Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Sandu’s statements received no immediate response from Russian officials.
Information for this briefing was found via La Prensa Latina, Associated Press, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
