ISTANBUL

Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Wednesday accused Russia of planning to interfere in the country’s upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled for Sept. 28, in a bid to gain political control.

“The Russian Federation aims to control Moldova as of next autumn and is preparing for an unprecedented interference in the September elections,” Sandu said during a press briefing in Chisinau, following a meeting of Moldova’s Supreme Security Council.

She warned that Moscow is “investing in multiple political vehicles” to insert its allies into the next parliament, claiming the Kremlin’s aim is to “gain control over the power in Moldova.”

Sandu said the alleged effort posed “significant” risks to national security and public order, urging both institutions and citizens to stay vigilant.

“The greatest danger of Russia's interference with our internal affairs is that it poses a direct threat to national security, sovereignty, and the European future of our country,” she said. “And all of us, who are connected to Moldova and love Moldova, want a future in the European Union, in peace and development.”

She also accused Moscow of seeking to increase social tensions, undermine public trust in the state, and provoke violence.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied the allegations during a separate press briefing, saying: “Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.”

Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which holds a majority in parliament, is expected to face a unified opposition bloc formed by four parties in the Sept. 28 vote.

Last November, Sandu secured a second presidential term following a runoff election. The campaign was marked by accusations of foreign meddling, including claims from the then-incumbent president that “criminal groups” attempted to buy 300,000 votes based on “clear” evidence.

A referendum held alongside the first round of the election in October showed public support for a constitutional amendment backing Moldova’s bid to join the European Union.