The European Union accused Russia of “unprecedented” meddling in the recent votes in Moldova that were seen as among the most pivotal in the country’s post-Soviet history.
“The European Union condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova’s presidential elections and constitutional referendum,” said the statement published by EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on behalf of the bloc’s 27 member states.
Moldovans were called to vote in a constitutional referendum and presidential election on Sunday.
The result was a wafer-thin majority in favour of anchoring the EU course in the constitution and a first-round victory for the incumbent pro-Western head of state, Maia Sandu, who will face a run-off election in November.
The referendum was targeted by a “massive interference and a hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote” in the country located between Romania and Ukraine, the EU said.
Despite the narrow margin, EU countries welcomed the referendum outcome and praised Moldovan citizens for their “historic choice.”
“This vote reflects their aspirations for a peaceful, independent, stable, democratic, and prosperous Moldova,” the bloc said.
Details on Russian interference in Moldova are not mentioned in the EU statement.
After the vote, Sandu said that there was evidence that 300,000 votes had been bought. In addition, tens of millions of euros had allegedly been spent by criminal groups in collusion with foreign powers to spread lies and propaganda.
