US senators warn: Russia using propaganda and economic pressure to sway Moldova’s elections
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch, along with other members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued a statement on Friday ahead of Moldova’s parliamentary elections. They highlighted the risk of foreign interference, stating that there is "clear and overwhelming evidence" of a campaign sponsored by the Russian government to influence the election, similar to the events of last year.
"As Moldova prepares to vote for a new parliament, there is clear and overwhelming evidence that Russia is conducting a state-sponsored campaign to interfere in the elections, similar to what occurred last year. Despite Russia's efforts to undermine the integrity of these elections, voters are mobilizing to reject attempts to influence the results through propaganda, economic coercion, and vote-buying schemes,” the statement said.
The senators express their support for the Trump Administration’s initiatives to counter the use of cryptocurrencies by Russian-backed actors to facilitate these harmful actions. They emphasize that the best way for Moldovans, including those in the diaspora, to protect their sovereignty is to participate in the elections and exercise their right to free speech.
The statement also highlights Moldova’s progress in strengthening democracy and improving relations with the United States and the European Union, as the country is viewed as an essential member of the transatlantic community. The senators point out that Russia continues to illegally maintain troops on sovereign Moldovan territory, using this presence to further its expansionist objectives, particularly concerning Ukraine.
“Moldovan people, like all nations, deserve the right to pursue the future they want for their country, free from external interference. The United States seeks to help them preserve this right, while Russia aims to undermine it to advance its own geopolitical agenda. We are proud to support Moldova’s right to self-determination and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come,” the statement reads.
The American senators urge Moldovan citizens to actively participate in the elections and reaffirm the United States' support for the sovereignty and democratic integrity of the Republic of Moldova.
