WASHINGTON, DC – The United States on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of any attempts to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty, reaffirming the nation’s right to self-determination.
The move comes as Moldova’s President Maia Sandu accuses Russia of orchestrating an “unprecedented” campaign to interfere in the upcoming September parliamentary election.
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State Department condemns interference
In response to an inquiry from Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent, a State Department spokesperson asserted, “We condemn any effort to undermine other nations’ national security and sovereignty.” The spokesperson further emphasized, “Moldovans have a right to decide for themselves on their leaders and their future.”
Russia’s “unprecedented” plot
Last week, Moldovan President Maia Sandu publicly accused Russia of planning a large-scale interference effort ahead of the September 28 parliamentary election.
Speaking at a press conference in Chișinău, Sandu warned of a multi-pronged strategy involving illegal financing, sophisticated cyberattacks, and widespread disinformation.
“The Russian Federation wants to control the Republic of Moldova from autumn onwards,” Sandu declared, labeling the alleged plan a “direct threat to our state security, the country’s sovereignty, and the European future of Moldova.” She urged both citizens and institutions to remain vigilant in the face of these threats.
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Identified interference tactics
Moldovan authorities have reportedly identified at least ten primary methods of electoral interference.
These include the illicit use of an estimated €100 million in cryptocurrencies, the deployment of deepfakes, the organization of paid protests, and the manipulation of public opinion through Kremlin-affiliated clergy.
Current polls indicate that President Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity holds a lead with 27 percent support as the September 28 election approaches.
“Direct threat” to Moldova’s European future
Experts are weighing in on the implications of these developments and potential US responses.
Andrew D’Anieri, associate director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, told Kyiv Post on Tuesday that the Trump administration “is right” to call out Russian fake news meant to manipulate Moldova’s elections.
He urged the US government to be prepared to utilize various tools, including sanctions, to signal to the Kremlin that “infringing on another country’s sovereignty will not be tolerated,” especially as the Moldovan elections near and peace in Ukraine remains elusive.
Richard Kauzlarich, a veteran diplomat and former Presidential envoy to the Newly Independent States during the Bill Clinton administration, suggested to Kyiv Post that the US could take further action. “The US could do more – sanctions against the Russian entities involved come to mind – but will the Trump Administration do more?”
Kauzlarich also proposed that the US could offer support to Moldova’s energy sector to help reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
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