Kremlin denies Russian interference in Moldova's internal affairs ahead of upcoming polls

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Kremlin on Monday denied Russia’s alleged interference in Moldova’s internal affairs, as the Eastern European nation is set to hold a presidential election and a referendum on EU accession this weekend.

On Oct. 9, the European Parliament adopted a statement condemning what it described as Moscow’s “escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations” in Moldova ahead of the election and referendum.

It also cited Moldova's security services, which claimed that Russia had spent approximately €100 million (about $109.2 million) to undermine the upcoming election.

“We categorically reject these accusations. We do not interfere in other people's internal affairs,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

Expressing that many people are still present in Moldova who support the development of good relations between Moscow and Chisinau, Peskov argued that these people are being denied the right to support this process.

“Unfortunately, these are the processes that we are currently observing in Chisinau. But this is not our attempt to interfere,” he added.

Moldova will hold a presidential election on Sunday, with incumbent President Maia Sandu seeking a second term, as well as a referendum on amending the country's constitution in preparation for EU membership.