The Kremlin is pouring millions of dollars into destabilizing Moldova.

Law enforcement agencies in Moldova reported that Russia is investing millions of dollars to destabilize the situation in the country. According to the prosecutor's office, only in September, Moscow directed $15 million to bribe voters. This information was provided to journalists of the publication FREEДOM.

"Despite the fact that the number of Russia's supporters is decreasing, it's not decreasing as fast as it should be, given what's happening now. It’s because Russia spends such huge resources on propaganda that these processes occur unnaturally. The influence on elections also occurs in an unnatural way because unprecedented funds are spent for Moldova. $15 million was spent by Russia only in September and only on one of its fifth columns in Moldova. Unfortunately, there are several," said political scientist and editor-in-chief of the media resource AVA-TV (Moldova) Andriy Andriyevsky.

Journalists found evidence of the existence of a pro-Russian network associated with Moldovan oligarch and politician Ilan Shor. Interested parties managed to establish that participants in the scheme receive money through the Promsvyazbank affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense. These funds are used for recruiting participants in pro-Russian rallies and propaganda against European integration.

"They focus on mass participation, diversification of the campaign. On creating an artificial picture that everyone is against and criticizing. This creates an effect of mass perception, giving the impression that everyone is against: both those and these," stated the head of the analytical center WatchDog.md Valeriu Pașu.

Experts believe that for Russia, the referendum on European integration is more important than the presidential elections. Firstly, Russia couldn't find a candidate who could compete with Maia Sandu. Secondly, the results of the referendum will have a significant impact on future parliamentary elections, and Moldova is a parliamentary republic.

"It is very important on the eve of the parliamentary elections in 2025, when a new majority will be formed in the parliament, a new government. Will this coalition government be European, and will Moldova continue negotiations on joining the European Union, reforms, and so on," said Moldovan historian and permanent representative of Moldova to the UN (2006-2008) Alexei Tulbure.

In March 2022, Moldova also applied for EU membership. In June of the same year, the European Parliament supported granting the candidate status to the country. The negotiation process will last less than usual, Brussels stated.