Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering targeting Moldova once he secures a victory in Ukraine.
Last week, Moldovans voted in the first round of presidential elections, with the incumbent president, Maia Sandu, leading the vote count. Yet the election had an additional significant issue on the ballot.
Moldova also voted on whether to pursue membership in the European Union, with the “yes” vote narrowly winning. This decision means the country will need to modify certain laws to meet the standards required for all EU members.
Ahead of the election, the Moldovan government expressed concerns over potential election fraud for votes cast by Moldovans residing in Russia.
Orysia Lutsevych, Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, noted that Moscow is attempting to destabilize Moldova.
“[Putin] is consistent in his vision, that it [Moldova] belongs to him, and, as we see with Ukraine, he’s willing to take high losses, pay a high, high price,” she told The Sun.
“He’s interested in Moldova as a whole and these territories would only be as a ways to get his goals to the to control. I think he may use these territories as clubs to incapacitate Moldova first and then eventually get it in full-fledged control,” she added.
