Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Monday accused Russia of spending “hundreds of millions of euros” to subvert her country’s parliamentary election this weekend.
“The Kremlin is pouring hundreds of millions of euros to buy hundreds of thousands of votes on both banks of the Nistru river and abroad,” she said. “People are intoxicated daily with lies. Hundreds of individuals are paid to provoke disorder, violence, and spread fear.
“If Russia gains control over Moldova, the consequences will be immediate and dangerous for our country and for the entire region. Every Moldovan will suffer, no matter who they voted for,” she added, citing risks to regional stability, European funding and free movement.
Earlier on Monday, the Moldovan police conducted massive raids across the country targeting people suspected of preparing Russia-backed disorder. Moldova’s parliamentary election will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28.