Ahead of key vote, Russia says NATO preparing to ‘occupy’ Moldova

‼️ Europe is preparing to occupy Moldova — Russia‘s Foreign Intel Service

NATO forces are now concentrating in Romania near Moldova, with a first group already in Odessa

Brussels won’t abandon these plans, even if Moldova’s post-election situation doesn’t require intervention pic.twitter.com/abDCEBCsJr

— RT (@RT_com) September 23, 2025

According to Russian state media, NATO forces have been stationed in Romania near Moldova’s border and could also move into Ukraine’s Odessa region. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said European officials were trying to impose “Russophobic policies” in Moldova “at any cost.”

Moldovan authorities have carried out hundreds of raids in recent days. Police said 74 people were detained in connection with an alleged Moscow-backed plot to stage unrest around the vote. Officials said the suspects were trained in Serbia and accused Russia of waging a “hybrid war” through election interference, disinformation and illicit funding of political groups.

President Maia Sandu said Moscow was funnelling “hundreds of millions of euros” to sway voters. “Our sovereignty, independence and European future are in danger,” she said.

NATO has not directly responded to Russia’s claims but has previously denied expansionist ambitions, saying its support for Ukraine is limited to defence.

Analysts say the outcome of Sunday’s vote could determine Moldova’s path toward joining the EU or returning to closer alignment with Moscow.