Russia Mapped Out Strategy to Weaken Pro-EU Party in Moldova Vote
Russia has devised a detailed plan to meddle in Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections, with the aim of derailing the country’s path toward European Union membership.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the documents obtained by Bloomberg.
The blueprint, reportedly endorsed at the highest level of the Kremlin, outlines a multi-pronged strategy to weaken President Maia Sandu’s pro-EU Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) ahead of the September 28 vote and ultimately push her out of power.
The documents describe a campaign designed to create the illusion of a competitive democratic process, while in reality focusing on undermining support for Sandu. Key elements of the strategy include:
– mobilizing Moldovan citizens abroad, including those living in Russia, to cast ballots in polling stations across the EU and elsewhere;
– organizing disruptive street protests;
– launching extensive disinformation operations on social media platforms.
The plan also envisages the use of compromising material against public officials to obstruct the electoral process. In addition, Moscow intends to recruit young men from sports clubs and criminal networks to stage violent provocations during voting and to fuel unrest in the aftermath of the election.
European officials familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Russian support for Moldovan opposition parties ranges from strategic consultations to direct financial backing. They added that Moscow is “almost certain” to try to carry out most of these measures.
The Kremlin’s approach also focuses on post-election scenarios. If PAS fails to win, protests demanding Sandu’s resignation are expected; if the party secures a victory, efforts will be made to discredit the results.
The September 28 parliamentary vote is seen as decisive for Moldova’s geopolitical orientation. President Sandu has repeatedly warned of unprecedented Russian interference involving bribery of voters, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and orchestrated demonstrations.
Read more on The Gaze: Moldova’s 2025 Elections: A Decisive Moment for the Country’s European Course