Moldova Protests Russia Over Election Interference and Drone Incursions
The Moldovan government has sent a protest note to the newly appointed Russian ambassador, Oleg Ozerov. The note expresses outrage over Russia’s interference in Moldova’s recent presidential election.
Independent observers and officials from the EU, US, and other countries have pointed out that there was a malicious influence campaign involving criminal networks and pro-Russian organizations. It is claimed that Moscow spent millions of dollars funding the losing candidate, Alexandr Stoianoglo.
The Moldovan Foreign Ministry said that Russia’s actions were an “illegal intervention” in the election process, designed to distort and undermine its results. The ministry demanded that Russia cease these actions and refrain from any future interference in Moldova’s internal affairs.
The government also condemned the violation of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones. On November 10, two Russian drones were discovered near the Causeni and Riscani districts after a drone attack on Ukraine. The Moldovans downed another drone on the outskirts of Cosernita village in central Moldova.
The Moldovan authorities consider these aggressive incursions to be a “grave violation” and an “unfriendly act” by Russia, which endangers civilian lives. Another Russian drone was downed on November 12, making it the third incident within three days.