Dave Takaki (@davetakaki.bsky.social)

Russia could use Moldova to attack Ukraine’s Odesa region if Kremlin seizes control, Sandu warns On the eve of parliamentary elections and amid reports of Russian meddling, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said her country’s sovereignty, independence and European future are at risk. In an address, she stressed that if Russians gain control of Moldova, the country’s territory could become “a springboard for penetrating the Odesa region.” Sandu said that if Russians control Moldova, the consequences would be immediate and felt both in Moldova and across the region. She emphasized that all Moldovans would suffer, regardless of how they voted. “Europe will stop at Moldova’s border. European funds will be frozen along the Prut River. Freedom of movement may end, and our land could become a springboard for penetrating the Odesa region. The Transnistria region will be destabilized. These are their plans, and they say so openly,” Sandu said. The president stressed that the Kremlin has accomplices in Moldova who “believe neither in Russia nor in Europe,” but “only in money.” She urged citizens voting this Sunday (September 28) to prove their country is not for sale and said Moldova must be protected “with an honest vote and a clear mind.” “We, the people of the Republic of Moldova, cannot allow peace, the safety of citizens and regional stability to be put at risk. We are obliged to keep Moldova peaceful, free from war and from Russia’s attempts to attack or destabilize other states,” Sandu said. Following Sandu’s address, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Europe is allegedly preparing to occupy Moldova. The agency alleged that NATO has concentrated armed units in Romania near Moldova’s borders. Bloomberg, citing documents, reported that Russia is spending millions of dollars to interfere in Moldova’s parliamentary elections and derail the country’s path toward European Union membership. The Kremlin is actively recruiting Moldovans abroad, preparing “protests” inside the country and waging a large-scale disinformation campaign on social media. https://www.uawire.org/russia-could-use-moldova-to-attack-ukraine-s-odesa-region-if-kremlin-seizes-control-sandu-warns