President Maia Sandu has reaffirmed that the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Moldova are protected equally alongside those of all other residents. She emphasized that this commitment does not impede their ability to participate in elections or civic life, underscoring that law and policy apply to every Moldovan regardless of language or ethnicity.
In parallel, statements from the Russian side have drawn attention to Moldova’s electoral reform. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged Chisinau to avoid measures that could worsen internal tensions or harm bilateral relations with Russia. Her remarks touched on the interests of the Russian-speaking population in Moldova and referenced changes to electoral procedures and media publication policies, including the potential discontinuation of Russian bulletins under the new voting code.
President Sandu reiterated: there is no threat to Russian-speaking citizens in Moldova, and they are treated with the same respect as all other citizens. He noted that any assertions suggesting otherwise are false and that some actors are attempting to destabilize the country’s internal order. The president’s remarks were echoed by other senior officials who stressed the importance of upholding inclusive, transparent governance during a period of reform.
Responses from Moldova’s leadership included formal diplomatic engagements. Nicolae Popescu, who heads Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, issued statements on behalf of the government. In addition, the Russian Ambassador to Chisinau, Oleg Vasnetsov, conveyed protest following Zakharova’s comments, signaling that discussions around language rights and electoral changes remain a focal point of bilateral dialogue and regional stability concerns. The exchanges highlight Moldova’s ongoing effort to balance internal reforms with international expectations and to reassure all linguistic communities about equal protection under the law.
Overall, the public discourse centers on the principle that national policies should guarantee equal participation in electoral processes, freedom of information, and the protection of linguistic minorities. Authorities in Moldova have stressed that reforms aim to strengthen democratic processes without marginalizing any group, while critics argue that timely communication and confidence-building measures are essential to prevent misinterpretation and external influence. The situation continues to unfold as government officials, international observers, and the communities affected monitor developments and seek constructive, peaceful avenues for dialogue and cooperation.
Marked citations clarify the positions of the involved parties: Sandu’s assurances regarding equal rights and non-discrimination for Russian-speaking residents; Zakharova’s cautions about potential destabilization and the impact of the new electoral code on language media; and the diplomatic responses from Moldova’s foreign ministry and the Russian ambassador in Chisinau. The overarching aim remains to maintain social harmony while pursuing electoral modernization and safeguarding Moldova’s ties with its neighbors and partners.