US Says Russia Actively Seeking to Undermine Moldova’s EU Referendum

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States and allies support Moldovan efforts to retain democratic integrity.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu (R) talks to a woman in Chisinau, Moldova, on Oct. 14, 2024. Daniel Mihailescu/AFP via Getty Images

Russia has spent millions of dollars trying to influence the outcome of Moldova’s Oct. 20 referendum on joining the European Union, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu hopes to secure a yes vote in the Oct. 20 referendum at the same time as winning reelection on a pro-Western platform. Moldova was officially granted EU candidate status in June 2022.