New Strategy Center publishes an analysis of the constitutional referendum in the Republic of Moldova and the first round of the presidential elections.
The study points out that Russia has launched a vast operation to sabotage the referendum and undermine the chances of the current pro-European President Maia Sandu to be elected, with Moscow using organized crime networks, black money, extensive disinformation campaigns.
At the same time, pro-Russian supporters have tried to maximize speculation about the fear of war, economic problems caused by rising prices and the erosion of governance.
The report shows that the fight in the second round will be particularly difficult, with the EU and the US realizing that a Russian victory in Moldova will have far greater consequences.
Moldova is Ukraine’s only neighbor which is not a member of the EU and NATO, but has a strong pro-Ukraine stance, and Moldova’s loss would be a major image gain for Russia and a major defeat for the EU and the democratic world.
The analysis was written by George Scutaru, CEO, New Strategy Center, former presidential advisor on national security and Ion Cristea, International Relations Expert, New Strategy Center.