'Long History of Malign Influence': U.S. Condemns Russia's Efforts To Undermine Democratic Institutions In Moldova And Region

Washington D.C./15.02.23/Turan:  The United States on Tuesday expressed its deep concern over reports of a plot by Russia to destabilise Moldova's democratically elected government, and voiced support for the country's sovereignty, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"Russia has a long history of malign influence both in Moldova and the region..." State Department spokesman Ned Price told a daily press briefing in response to TURAN's questions.

"... We've worked closely with Moldova to build its political resilience and to counter long-term efforts by Russia to undermine Moldova's democratic institutions," he said.

Washington firmly supports Moldova’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity. "Russia’s recent violations of Moldovan airspace to launch missile attacks on Ukraine are an unacceptable risk, and they demonstrate blatant disrespect for Moldova’s sovereign territory," Price said.

The U.S. last fall imposed sanctions on two Moldovan oligarchs for allegedly working with Russia to undermine the country's democracy.

Early this week, President Maia Sandu said that Russia was intending to use foreign saboteurs to undermine her government and prevent it from joining the EU. The Kremlin rejects the accusations.

The move came just days after Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita resigned.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said last week that his intelligence authorities had uncovered a Russian plan “for the destruction of Moldova.”

Price, in the meantime, added on Tuesday that at this time "we continue to see no direct military threat to Moldova."

"We’ve been in close contact with our Moldovan partners during this critical time. We strongly support the leadership of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation with the new prime minister and cabinet once that government is formed," he sad.

"We remain firmly committed to assisting Moldova as it pursues the political, economic, and anti corruption reforms needed to build on the European future it seeks," he concluded.

Alex Raufoglu