Moldovan president sayd Russia seeks to regain its influence over Moldova

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has said that Russia is seeking to regain influence over Moldova by installing people loyal to it in key state positions.

As reported by Moldovan news outlet Omniapres, according to Sandu, Russia cannot reach Moldova at the moment because Ukraine is resisting.

Sandu explained that the political and strategic risk remains high, saying that Moscow wants to install loyal people in key Moldovan institutions who would follow the Kremlin's directives rather than act in the interests of their citizens.

She stressed that such influence had been visible in previous elections, when Russia attempted to gain power in Chișinău in order to use Moldova against Ukraine, Romania and other states in the region.

If Moscow were to gain control, the country could become a grey zone, vulnerable to money-laundering, corruption schemes and security threats on Ukraine's border, Sandu warned.

Earlier, Gheorghiță Vlad, Chief of Romania's Defence Staff, stated that Romania, as Moldova's close ally, is prepared to assist it if the country faces aggression from Russia.

Meanwhile, Romanian President Nicușor Dan said he does not believe Russia will attack Moldova.