Moldova, facing cyberattacks as part of alleged Russian coup plan, asks for Western support
Maia Sandu, the pro-European president of Moldova who last week warned of an active Russian plot to overthrow her country’s government, told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that she needed a range of support from other European nations to defend the integrity of her state.
Her calls for support come at a moment of crisis for Moldova, with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita resigning last week due to domestic challenges, including inflation and energy security issues exacerbated by Russian activity.
President Sandu said Russia was “waging hybrid war against Moldova” including through “propaganda and disinformation” alongside “multiple cyberattacks” and “multiple false bomb alerts.” These actions are intended to undermine social cohesion, provoke protests and allow external saboteurs to launch a coup, she said. Speaking on a panel about “partnering up for European Security” — alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen — Sandu described months of Russian aggressions against her country.
