“Whereas just some hundred kilometers out of your capital, Russia’s battle of aggression towards Ukraine is ongoing, it’s essential to underscore that Moldova’s selection to affix the European Union is one in favor of peace and the rule of legislation,” mentioned Macron.
The French president went on to denounce “Kremlin propaganda,” which he mentioned goals to color Europeans as warmongers attempting to delay the battle in Ukraine.
“These are lies,” mentioned Macron. “In contrast to Russia, the European Union threatens nobody and respects the sovereignty of all … The European Union is on no account the Soviet Union.”
The uncommon go to and endorsement by three of Europe’s strongest leaders is designed to supply an electoral increase for Moldova’s pro-EU President Maia Sandu forward of a essential parliamentary election on Sept. 28.
Sandu, who was narrowly reelected president final yr and has staked her future on Moldova’s EU membership bid, warned in her speech about continued efforts by Russia to sway the election in Moscow’s favor and deceive voters concerning the EU’s true intentions in Ukraine and elsewhere.
A rustic of two.4 million folks sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a key goal for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has opted for hybrid techniques — from disinformation campaigns to vote-buying — to attempt to achieve management of the nation whereas waging a kinetic battle towards Ukraine.
