Russia is being warned by Chișinău’s spy service about plans to sabotage a referendum on EU integration in Moldova. EU diplomats are also concerned about potential “surprises” in the Western Balkans.
Alexandru Musteata, the director of the Intelligence and Security Services (SIS) in Moldova, stated on Tuesday (5 March) that there are efforts to compromise the referendum on European integration, interfere in the presidential elections, and discredit government institutions and politicians supporting Moldova’s EU accession.
The SIS report highlighted Russia’s use of social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok to incite social clashes and inter-ethnic hatred in Moldova. Tactics also involve pro-Russian oligarchs, such as Ilhan Shor, to create public order crises in Chișinău and Gagauzia.
Musteata mentioned that Shor’s main goal for 2024 is to undermine the results of the EU referendum. Protests will continue to be utilized to undermine trust in the current government.
Moldova has not yet set a date for the EU membership referendum, but it is preparing to open accession talks before June. President Maria Sandu, who is pro-EU, will seek re-election in the autumn.
Shor, a fugitive wanted for embezzling Moldova’s top bank and on an EU blacklist for plotting pro-Russian coups, is a key figure in the destabilization efforts. The SIS warning is part of ongoing alerts about Russian attempts to destabilize Moldova.
Additionally, Russia-puppet authorities in Transniestria requested Moscow’s protection against alleged Chișinău pressure, causing concern in the West. The EU has supported Moldova in increasing its defense budget and acquiring a new radar to monitor Russian threats.
There are fears within the EU foreign service that Russia may be planning a provocation in the region to influence Western leaders regarding the Ukraine war. The EU source expressed concerns about potential surprises from Moscow this year.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock also raised concerns about Russia’s role in the Western Balkans, emphasizing the need to close any flanks that Russia could exploit for destabilization and disinformation.
Countries in the Western Balkans, like Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, are seeking EU entry, moving away from Russia’s influence. Putin’s recent speech in Moscow did not address Transniestria’s plea for help but did mention the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to Western actions in Ukraine.
Despite the threat of nuclear weapons, Putin’s response was less aggressive than expected, surprising experts with its brevity and vagueness.
