Moldova elections could spark Russian-backed protests- ISW
Voting in the elections in Moldova (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Kremlin is creating conditions for potentially violent protests aimed at removing Moldovan President Maia Sandu from power following the parliamentary elections on September 28, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Recent polls in Moldova indicate that the pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which currently holds a parliamentary majority, could lose its majority in the upcoming elections, and no other party or bloc is expected to gain a clear majority.
The polls show that much will depend on the significant number of undecided voters and the diaspora vote (which the surveys do not track), so the likely election outcomes remain uncertain.
Kremlin plans for Moldova
According to ISW analysts, Russia may use Moldova-based politicians and other figures linked to the Kremlin to create conditions for post-election protests, regardless of the election results.
Through these protests, the Kremlin is likely aiming to try to remove Moldovan President Maia Sandu from power, analysts predict.
NATO exercises as a propaganda tool
On September 23, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service absurdly claimed, according to ISW, that NATO is planning an invasion of Moldova, preparing a landing from the Odessa region to intimidate the unrecognized region of Transnistria.
NATO will indeed soon hold its exercises Dacian Fall 2025 from October 20 to November 13 in Romania and Bulgaria, with participation from French troops.
“Russia will likely continue to misrepresent the presence of NATO troops in Romania for Dacian Fall 2025 to claim that NATO is preparing to invade Moldova on November 30,” ISW experts warn.
Moldovan politicians ahead of the elections
Earlier, Maia Sandu stated that Russia is preparing an unprecedented interference in Moldova’s parliamentary elections. According to her, the aggressor country plans to funnel €100 million in cryptocurrency to bribe voters. Law enforcement has already imposed 25,000 fines for such activities.
Meanwhile, the leader of the pro-Russian Party of Socialists of Moldova, Igor Dodon, accused Sandu of preparing an attack on Transnistria. In his view, the Sorosists will force the President of Moldova, together with Zelenskyy, to attack Transnistria and open a second front there–in support of Ukraine and against Russia.
The parliamentary elections in Moldova will take place on Sunday, September 28.
