Sandu sounds alarm: Moldova could become launchpad for invasion of Ukraine's Odesa region

"Today, I state to you with all seriousness that our sovereignty, independence, integrity, and European future are under threat," Sandu said in a public address.

She specified that Russia is now spending hundreds of millions of euros to buy hundreds of thousands of votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28. Hundreds of people are also being paid to "spread disorder, violence, and frighten the world."

Sandu called on the citizens of Moldova not to allow the country to capitulate to foreign interests.

The president also added that if Russia were to establish control over Moldova, the consequences would be dangerous for both Moldova and the entire region.

"All Moldovans will suffer. Europe will end at the border with Moldova. European funds will stop at the Prut. Freedom of movement may come to an end. Our land may become a staging ground for penetration into the Odesa region. The Transnistrian region will be destabilized," she added.

Sandu also said that Moscow is acting in Moldova through its allies, who are selling the country for money.

"They do not believe in Russia or in Europe. They believe only in money. They need a weak Moldova, a corrupt justice system that will not hold them accountable either for corruption or for treason," she emphasized.

Russia's plan regarding Moldova

Earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine reported that Russia had prepared a multi-level plan of influence for the parliamentary elections in Moldova.

According to the CCD, Moscow aims to derail Moldova's accession to the EU and undermine President Maia Sandu's position in this manner.