**Moldova on High Alert as Russia Seeks to Destabilize the Country Ahead of Elections**
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned that Russia may instigate a crisis in the country’s Russian-occupied Transnistria region ahead of the September parliamentary elections. According to Sandu, Moscow could use various tactics, including voter bribery and political manipulation, to undermine Moldova’s stability.
Transnistria, which has been under the control of pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s, has faced mounting energy shortages since January, when Russian gas giant Gazprom halted deliveries. The region recently declared a 30-day state of emergency due to a sharp reduction in natural gas supplies. Sandu emphasized that Moldova’s institutions are monitoring the risks and pledged that the elections would be “free and fair,” despite growing instability.
**A History of Manipulation**
Russia has a history of using Transnistria as a tool to destabilize Moldova. In February, it was revealed that Transnistria rejected a 60 million euros EU energy aid package under pressure from Moscow. Sandu warned that Russia may promise assistance in exchange for votes on the Right Bank, which could lead to all sorts of games and manipulation.
**Moldova’s Call for Peaceful Reintegration**
Chisinau has repeatedly called for the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria and the withdrawal of Russian forces, citing it as essential to Moldova’s security and development. President Sandu emphasized that addressing this main problem is crucial before providing financial support to the population in Transnistria.
**A Larger Conflict Looming?**
The situation in Moldova is not an isolated issue. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been escalating, with both sides suffering significant losses. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Russia’s preparations for combat operations indicate plans to expand the conflict beyond Ukraine.
**A Crisis in the Making?**
As tensions rise, Moldova is bracing itself for a potential crisis. The country’s leaders are working to ensure that the elections will be free and fair, despite growing instability. However, with Russia’s history of manipulation and its continued military presence in Transnistria, the situation remains uncertain.
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