Moldova elections: Russia’s plans thwarted

Anti-propaganda project Sprotyv.Info discussed the issue.

Maia Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party won more than 50% of the votes and 55 out of 101 seats, securing a rare majority in Moldova’s parliament. Igor Dodon’s pro-Russian bloc trailed with 26%, while diaspora support was decisive for Sandu’s victory.

The outlet notes that Moldova’s elections took place amid fierce rivalry and external pressure, with Prime Minister Dorin Recean accusing Russia of major interference to derail the pro-European path.

Despite the scale of Kremlin efforts, Russia’s interference failed to achieve its main goal — removing President Sandu and her pro-European allies from power.

“The mechanisms Moscow used in previous years — funding pro-Russian parties, media campaigns, and leveraging religious and pro-Russian networks — were partially countered through legal actions against specific individuals and structures, as well as through active efforts by pro-European forces to mobilize voters,” the authors said.

The report highlights an interesting fact: Western media and observers noted a backlash effect — more obvious Russian interference actually boosted support for pro-European parties. In other words, the situation was as follows:

• Russia failed to stop Moldova’s European integration, as the pro-European party won over 50% of the vote and secured a clear mandate to continue closer ties with the European Union.
• Attempts to influence the vote through the Moldovan diaspora in Russia had little impact because of the limited number of polling stations, so the pro-Russian agenda did not advance.
• Efforts to destabilize the country, including provocations, detentions, and bomb threats, did not succeed, and the official results remained legitimate.

In addition, Moldova’s pro-European victory is crucial for Ukraine amid shared Russian threats. It signals Chișinău’s readiness for closer security coordination with Kyiv, including border control, intelligence sharing, and countering disinformation and sabotage.

“The outcome of Moldova’s elections strengthens the diplomatic coalition of Eastern European countries supporting Ukraine. Closer cooperation means more platforms to coordinate sanctions and political pressure on Moscow regarding regional security,” the article emphasized.

However, the Kremlin is already seeking to discredit Moldova’s elections, claiming diaspora voters were deprived of rights and questioning legitimacy. Russian media will likely highlight alleged violations and repression of pro-Russian forces to maintain domestic and international support, continuing narratives present even before the vote.

“The 2025 elections in Moldova marked a decisive step in defending the country’s European course and undermined Russian attempts at destabilization… The victory of Maia Sandu’s party not only strengthens Moldova’s pro-European prospects but also boosts regional cooperation with Ukraine against Russia’s hybrid warfare,” the outlet concluded.