Moldova warns of Russian interference ahead of parliamentary elections

“Over the years, Russia has exploited the residents of Transnistria and could at any moment incite an even deeper crisis if it suits its plans for Moldova,” Sandu told local outlet Newsmaker.

“We can expect this crisis to intensify in the coming months before the elections.”

She suggested that the Kremlin could move beyond bribing voters in Transnistria and start “blackmailing” the region’s population.

The president assured that Moldova’s authorities are assessing the risks and will do everything possible to ensure that the elections are “free and fair.” 

“Moldova’s first task is to resolve the major issue in Transnistria—the withdrawal of Russian troops,” Sandu said.

On June 4, Moldovan PM Prime Minister Dorin Recean said Russia is planning to significantly increase its troop presence in Transnistria. However, the logistics of the move would be complicated, since the territory, wedged between Ukraine and Moldova, lacks access to the Black Sea.