Sandu accuses Russia of planning to install its people in Moldova’s parliament: Kremlin responds

What Sandu said

The head of the Moldovan state stated that Russia is preparing an "unprecedented interference" in Moldova’s parliamentary elections scheduled for September.

According to her, Russia plans to channel €100 million through cryptocurrency alone to bribe voters and illegally finance political forces from abroad. Law enforcement authorities have already issued 25,000 fines for such illegal activities.

Sandu also said that Russia intends to organize paid protests in Moldova and launch cyberattacks targeting the country’s digital infrastructure related to the elections.

To influence Moldovan citizens, Russia will try to use the church, so-called opinion leaders, and online influencers to promote rejection of the country’s pro-European course.

"This should not frighten us — it should mobilize us. Russia’s interference poses serious risks to public order and national security, and most importantly, it could severely undermine the country’s sovereignty and our European future," Sandu emphasized.

She added that under these circumstances, state institutions must act in a more coordinated and professional manner.

Kremlin’s response

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Sandu’s statement, claimed it allegedly does not reflect reality.

"Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. We regret to note that the electoral rights of many Moldovans are being suppressed and violated," he added.

Victory bloc barred from elections

Notably, just last week, Moldova’s Central Election Commission barred the pro-Russian Victory bloc from participating in the parliamentary elections.

The bloc is led by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who is currently hiding in Russia.