Three-stage strategy: The head of Moldovan intelligence service reveals the Russian Federation’s plans to block the country’s EU membership

Alexander Musteatse, head of the Moldovan Information and Security Service (ISS), warned about the possibility of Russia interfering in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. He also noted that steps could be taken to provoke social conflicts in the Gagauzia and Transnistria regions in order to disrupt Moldova’s integration process into the European Union. Mustyatse announced this at a press conference on March 5, his statement was reported by Newsmaker.

“The ISS has data that indicates an unprecedented level of intensity of the Russian Federation’s actions. The aim of these actions is to jeopardize Moldova’s accession to the EU, undermine democratic processes and keep Moldova within its sphere of influence,” Musteatse said. said.

According to Mustyatse, the first signs of this interference were noticed in 2023, when attempts to undermine the legitimacy of local elections emerged.

“They are now trying to implement the next two stages in order to intervene in this year’s election processes. There is information that there are attempts to jeopardize the referendum on European integration and the presidential elections, and to denigrate the institutions and candidates who will do this.” “We are promoting the idea of ​​European integration,” Mustyatse said.

According to Musteata, the next stage is planned for 2025 and its goal is to take control of the Moldovan parliament.

“This strategy includes three main elements. Support for politicians who are under the direct or indirect control of the Russian Federation… They plan crises and social conflicts in the economic, social spheres with the aim of inciting ethnic hatred, creating a security crisis and public order, especially in Gagauzia or the Dniester.” “These crises will be initiated sequentially or in parallel, often through concerted action and propaganda,” the head of ISS on the Left Bank said.

According to Mustyatse, the third element will be the implementation of large-scale information attacks in order to increase the psychological impact of crises.

“The main actor on which the Russian Federation is betting is Ilan Shor’s group. According to the data, Ilan Shor’s main task in 2024 is to compromise on the referendum results. Another group of political figures has taken on the task of spreading the doctrine of statism, which really adds to Russia’s discourse “It serves,” he added.

Let us remind you that, as of January 16, Moldova started to apply a 27% discount on the transit of Ukrainian products throughout 2024. According to the European Commission, funds worth €126 million were recently allocated to support Romanian ports, whose cargo volumes have increased since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.