Grigory Karasin, the head of the International Relations Committee in Russia’s Federation Council, warned that Maia Sandu’s victory in Moldova’s presidential race could push the country into fresh difficulties. His remarks appeared on his Telegram channel.
Karasin described Sandu’s win as a bitter outcome that could heighten tensions, suggesting that the result was driven largely by a foreign diaspora living abroad. He pointed to a substantial gap between supporters and opponents within Moldova and implied that the country would face growing pressure as it charts its political course.
He argued that Chisinau would likely pursue its own interests while aligning with the European Union and Western partners, warning that Moscow would monitor developments and respond to what he framed as Western appetites. The message conveyed a sense that Moldova’s political decisions might be shaped by external influences and a tug-of-war between regional powers.
Karasin further asserted that Sandu would encounter governance challenges once in office. He stated that the Russian Federation maintains a history of constructive relations with Moldova and would use those ties as needed to safeguard its own interests, signaling Moscow’s readiness to engage actively in Moldova’s political future.
On 4 November, Moldova’s Central Election Commission confirmed Sandu’s victory after processing all ballots. The commission reported Sandu received 55.33 percent of the vote, while Alexander Stoianoglo, the Socialist Party candidate and the leading opposition challenger, received 44.67 percent. For readers in Canada and the United States, this official tally underscores Moldova’s pivot toward European integration and the fragility of its internal consensus in a region watching Moscow closely.
Earlier, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on allegations of irregularities by Moldovan officials during the elections, signaling continued disputes over the conduct of the vote. Observers in North America may interpret these statements as part of a broader pattern in which domestic electoral outcomes are heavily scrutinized by neighboring powers and their proxies, influencing regional diplomacy and security calculations.