Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov described the relationship between Moscow and Chisinau as currently marked by a high level of strain, a statement he made during a briefing on the Kremlin’s official stance. He framed the tensions as the result of a prolonged mismatch in priorities and approaches between the two capitals, underscoring that Moscow views Moldova’s political direction with particular sharpness given regional dynamics and historical ties.
According to Peskov, Moldovan leadership appears to be reacting to Russia with sustained hostility, a posture that he said undermines cooperation and mutual understanding. He suggested that the leadership’s emphasis on anti-Russian rhetoric reflects a broader political calculus aimed at consolidating Western-aligned positions, sometimes at the expense of practical dialogue and problem-solving between the two states.
“We already have very, very tense relations with Moldova. At the same time, the Moldovan leadership is probably focusing on everything anti-Russian. It also slips into anti-Russian hysteria”, Peskov explained, articulating a narrative that frames Moldova’s stance as not merely critical but increasingly reflexive and emotionally charged. This characterization points to a broader struggle over narrative control and perceived security threats within the region.
As the Kremlin spokesperson noted, a lack of constructive engagement is unlikely to yield positive outcomes for Moldova, and such an approach could deepen rifts and complicate future conversations on trade, energy, and regional stability. The remark signals Moscow’s expectation that Pridnestrovian issues and other areas of mutual interest require steadier lines of communication, even amid sharp public disagreements about policy and alliance choices.
Former Moldovan President Maia Sandu, speaking in a different forum, asserted that Russia is pursuing a hybrid strategy designed to destabilize the domestic politics of Moldova in an effort to influence government formation. Sandu argued that the Kremlin’s objective is to install a government with closer Russian ties by means of elections perceived domestically as pressure points that could reshape the cabinet and governance directions under consideration by Moldovan citizens and lawmakers, a view that feeds into ongoing debates about sovereignty and external influence. This account reflects concerns about the integrity of electoral processes and the resilience of Moldova’s democratic institutions in a volatile regional environment.