Moldova confronts Russian ambassador over election drama and mysterious drones
Small post-Soviet nation stands up to Russia over claims of vote-buying and democratic process interference. Two unmanned aircraft found on Moldovan soil add fuel to growing diplomatic fire
In a high-stakes diplomatic move last fall‚ Moldovas foreign ministry handed a protest-note to Oleg Ozerov‚ the Russian ambassador in Chisinau; the document outlined serious concerns about Moscows involvement in the nations electoral process
The controversy centers around two key events: the presidential election (won by pro-EU Maia Sandu) and a nation-wide referendum that happened in Oct 23rd. Both votes faced what officials call deliberate foreign meddling - with Russia and Ilan Shor (a Russia-based business-man) allegedly trying to buy about 300k votes
Moscow flat-out rejected these claims; stating the election wasnt fair and refusing to accept Sandus victory. The situation shows how far apart the two countries have moved since Moldova started its EU journey: the referendum actually changed the constitution to make joining EU an official goal
The tension got worse when two drones crashed on Moldovan soil just recently (in villages Borosenii Noi and Firladeni); this happened right after Russia attacked Ukraine. While Ozerov says theres no proof these were Russian drones; Moldova sees it as another problem in their already-difficult relationship
- Previous drone parts found on Moldovan land
- Growing distance between former Soviet partners
- Russias attacks on Ukraine affecting neighbors
- Moldovas clear move towards western integration
The ambassador summed up their meeting saying: “The conversation made it possible to clarify issues related to our acute and complex bilateral relations“ [[Oleg Ozerov]]
