Moldova's governing Action and Solidarity party won 50.14% of votes in parliamentary elections, more than double the 24.20% secured by the opposition Patriotic Electoral Bloc that advocates closer ties with Russia
The unsubstantiated allegations mirror tactics used before Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation, creating manufactured pretexts for potential invasion from Moldova's region occupied by Russian forces.
If Russia succeeds in Moldova's September parliamentary elections, the country could shift overnight from a friendly neighbor of Ukraine to a Russian-controlled threat, she says.
Moldova should prioritize economic growth and social cohesion, as Russia-backed forces exploit internal divisions to push an anti-European agenda, the expert says.
Moldovan police uncovered a $39 million vote-buying scheme, allegedly led by oligarch Ilan Shor, using Russian bank accounts ahead of recent elections and referendum.