Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has said that Russia is “desperately” trying to disrupt Moldova’s path to the EU.
Mr. Ciolacu’s statement comes in response to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who has accused Romania of attempting to “annex” Moldova.
In response, the Romanian government issued a statement on Thursday saying Russia’s “aggressive” propaganda is distorting historical facts, ignoring current realities and needs to be countered to help Moldova’s integration into the EU.
“Russian authorities are desperately trying to divert Moldova from its European path through disinformation,” Mr. Ciolacu said. He said Russia would take Moldova “into isolation and poverty.”
He also urged Moldovan leaders to stand firm and not to be “intimidated”.
“Romania stands shoulder to shoulder with Moldova in pursuing the European dream,” the Romanian prime minister added.
In a sign of deteriorating relations with Romania, Russia announced this week that it would close Romania’s General Consul office in Rostov on Don on Oct. 14.
Moldova holds a referendum on enshrining European Union membership in its constitution on Oct. 20. It also holds a presidential election, in which incumbent President Maia Sandu is seeking re-election.
The current government has combined the presidential vote with the referendum to mobilize pro-European voters who will have the opportunity to vote for Mrs. Sandu’s re-election.
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