Moldova’s Pro-EU President claims victory amid allegations of Russian meddling

Moldova’s pro-European Union President, Maia Sandu, claimed a second term Sunday, winning with 55.41 percent of the vote against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who garnered 44.59 percent as the candidate backed by Moldova’s pro-Russian Party of Socialists.

This victory comes amid heightened tensions between Moldova and Russia, with accusations of Russian interference clouding the election.

Sandu’s win follows a closely contested referendum held the same day as the initial round of voting, in which Moldovans narrowly voted to pursue EU membership. Moldova, a nation of 2.6 million bordering Romania and Ukraine, has long balanced between Russian influence and Western alignment. This election marks a turning point in Moldova’s geopolitical stance, with Sandu vowing to push for EU membership by 2030.

Moldovan authorities have accused Russia of paying voters and stoking fear through social media to sway the election. According to state officials, a Moldovan-Russian oligarch allegedly funneled $15 million to nearly 130,000 citizens, urging them to vote based on instructions via Telegram. Sandu herself issued a warning after casting her ballot, saying, “thieves” were attempting to “buy” votes from Moldovan citizens. Russia, however, has denied any interference, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating, “We resolutely reject any accusations that we are somehow interfering in this.”

Despite these challenges, Sandu celebrated her victory with a message to Moldovans on X (formerly Twitter): “Moldova, today you are victorious. Together, we’ve shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future. Thank you, dear Moldovans, at home and abroad. Walk with pride—you are freedom, hope, and resilience.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Sandu, calling her a symbol of resilience and expressing support for Moldova’s “European future.”