The governments of Canada, Britain and the United States issued a joint statement condemning Russia's interference in Moldova's presidential elections scheduled for October as an attempt to undermine free and fair elections in the country.
The three countries allege that Russia is using a variety of means, including “lies, deception, corruption and disinformation to undermine sovereignty and democracy” to tilt the election in the Kremlin's favor. Additionally, criminal groups and other Russian actors are allegedly inciting violence and spreading disinformation to undermine public confidence in Moldova's current president and upcoming elections. The three countries say all of this is to redirect public support to specific Kremlin-backed presidential candidates.
The statement added that there is reason to believe that if this interference does not produce the desired results, Russia will incite protests in Moldova and further destabilize the country's democratic process.
The three countries have pledged to help Moldova resist Russian interference, including “a range of measures” such as sharing intelligence with Moldovan institutions, working closer together going forward, and imposing sanctions on individuals and groups that destabilize Moldovan democracy. Donated $135 million Aid to counter Russian influence.
Nearly a year ago, the Moldovan president said Russia would be a “destabilizing factor” in Moldova's attempts to preserve its democratic institutions. On May 29 this year, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau, and both sides acknowledged continuing Russian interference and expressed their determination to counter it.
