Moldova spy chief warns on new destabilisation attempts by Russia

In a recent announcement, Moldova’s spy chief warned that Russia is planning to interfere in the country’s internal affairs by instigating protests, meddling in upcoming presidential elections, and disrupting plans to join the European Union.

The head of the Information and Security Service, Alexandru Musteata, revealed that his agency has detected a significant increase in activities by Russian security services since 2023 and anticipates further destabilizing actions in the coming years.

Musteata informed the media, “Russian intelligence services have intentions to meddle in the election processes this year. We have received information about efforts to undermine a referendum on European integration, interfere in the presidential elections, and tarnish the reputation of government institutions and politicians who support Moldova’s EU accession.”

Relations between Moldova and Russia have deteriorated as the Moldovan government aligns itself with Europe and accuses Moscow of attempting to sow chaos. Moldova’s pro-Western president Maia Sandu has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while leading the country towards EU and NATO membership.

Despite these claims, Moscow denies any involvement in Moldova’s political affairs and accuses Sandu of stoking anti-Russian sentiments in the region, which is situated between Ukraine and Romania.

Sandu is gearing up for re-election this autumn, with her party securing over 40% of the votes in recent local elections. The government is also planning a nationwide referendum on its pro-European stance, although specific dates have not been confirmed.

Musteata disclosed that Russia attempted to interfere in Moldova’s local elections last November, a country plagued by poverty in Eastern Europe. Moscow has refuted these allegations of interference in the electoral process.

Moreover, Musteata warned that Moscow is plotting to sway the outcome of the upcoming presidential election by backing pro-Russian candidates and parties. He suggested that Russia may incite protests in Moldova during March and April, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, to stoke separatist sentiments.

In recent developments, the pro-Russian leader of Moldova’s Gagauzia region sought Russia’s support, while the breakaway Transdniestria region appealed to Russia for economic assistance against Moldovan “pressure.”

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas, writing by Olena Harmash; Editing by Bernadette Baum)