MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. European bureaucrats are attempting to provoke Moldova into escalating its aggressive stance towards Russia following the Munich Security Conference, Igor Dodon, a former president and leader of the largest opposition party, the Party of Socialists, told TASS in an interview.
"There have been attempts to go even deeper. These efforts have intensified in recent weeks after the Munich Security Conference, where a clear and distinct position was articulated about the changing global order," he stated. "I believe that the European bureaucrats are trying, through [Moldovan President] Maia Sandu, to escalate Moldova's aggression toward Russia."
Dodon noted, "Although it may sound extreme, the anti-Russian rhetoric from the current authorities has intensified over the past week." He expressed concern, saying, "I truly hope this does not lead to a more intense phase. I very much hope that a potential peace arrangement between Russia and the United States regarding Ukraine and other countries will temper some of our Moldovan politicians and their backers in Brussels and other European capitals."
Recently, Moldova has adopted sanctions within the banking sector, halted its direct air service with Russia, and implemented a range of other restrictions. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova remarked that Russia views the Moldovan leadership's decision to align with the EU's anti-Russian sanctions as yet another antagonistic action.
The Moldovan leadership's stance toward Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) began to shift after Sandu's victory in the 2020 presidential election, during which she endorsed a strategy of integration with the EU and opted not to participate in CIS summits.