Zelenskyy Lauds Maia Sandu’s Victory in Moldova; Cites Russian ‘Destabilising’ Activities
Chisinau, Moldova—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday praised Maia Sandu’s electoral victory, affirming it as a triumph for pro-European Union forces in Moldova amid allegations of Russian interference. Sandu’s party secured over 50% of the vote in a tightly contested election, further consolidating Moldova’s pro-EU stance.
"The election results demonstrate that the people of Moldova have rejected attempts to destabilise their country," Zelenskyy said during a press briefing. He emphasized, “Russia has failed to destabilise Moldova, and its actions will not be tolerated,” referring to ongoing concerns about Russian meddling in Eastern Europe.
The Central Electoral Commission of Moldova reported that Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) garnered approximately 52% of the votes in the elections held on Sunday, outpacing opposition parties that have been linked to Kremlin interests. According to CNN, election observers noted “an increase in unusual activity related to Russian influence in the run-up to the vote,” raising alarms about the integrity of the electoral process.
In a statement, the German defense minister echoed concerns regarding Russian aggression, asserting, "Putin does not want a ceasefire and does not want peace for Ukraine," signaling a broader context of geopolitical tensions affecting the region.
Sandu has previously criticized Russian influence in Moldova, asserting that the nation must strengthen its ties with the EU to ensure stability and security. Following the elections, she reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing reforms aimed at EU integration, stating, "The people have expressed their desire for a European future."
International reactions have poured in, with several European leaders commending the outcome of the elections. As France’s foreign minister noted, "This election underlines Moldova’s resolve to align with European values, despite external pressures."
Looking forward, Moldova’s leadership plans to prioritize economic reforms and strengthen its foreign policy alignment with the European Union, while remaining vigilant against potential Russian destabilization efforts.
