Moldovan parliament speaker says Russia real threat to Moldova's security

The Russian Federation has become a real and direct threat to the security of Moldova, and the Moldovan authorities have developed and are implementing a comprehensive strategy to counter hybrid threats and destabilization attempts. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu made statements to this effect in an interview given with the MOLDPRES State News Agency.

“We must call things by their names: the Russian Federation, through its actions, has proved that it does not observe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. For the first time, in the National Security Strategy, the Russian Federation is explicitly mentioned as an external threat, alongside internal corruption,” said Igor Grosu.

The official noted that the tools used by Moscow against Moldova included: energy blackmail, trade embargoes, support for crime rings, disinformation, manipulation of public opinion and financing of pro-Russian parties. He also condemned the illegal presence of Russian troops in the Transnistrian region, considering it a defiance of the state's sovereignty.

“We have secured our energy sector, diversified our export markets and improved the quality of our products. Our institutions are more prepared today, we have international partners who help us, including in the field of cybersecurity. We will counter any attempt to manipulate and bribe voters,” Grosu emphasized.

In the context of the parliamentary elections due in next, the parliament speaker specified that the state had tightened the electoral legislation and would harshly sanction any attempt to rig the elections.

“Both those who give and those who receive money or other benefits for votes will be held accountable. We will not allow anyone, any bandit protected by the Russian Federation to buy the elections,” Igor Grosu said.

He reiterated that Moldova wanted good relations with all states, including the Russian Federation, but they must be based on mutual respect and observance of the international law.