Moldovan President Maia Sandu has issued a stark warning about the threats to her country’s independence and European aspirations, as authorities arrested dozens of individuals allegedly involved in a Russian-backed plot to incite violence. The arrests, which occurred just days before pivotal parliamentary elections, included the seizure of weapons and explosives in nationwide raids. Authorities claim that some of the 74 detainees received training in Serbia from Russian instructors, including firearms instruction. President Sandu accused the Kremlin of investing heavily in efforts to destabilize Moldova through violence, disinformation, and fear, asserting that Russia views Moldova as a territory rather than a sovereign nation. She emphasized Moldova’s determination to resist such interference, declaring, ‘Moldova is our home. And our home is not for sale.’ Pro-Russian parties, however, have accused Sandu of attempting to intimidate them and influence the election outcome. Sandu has urged her supporters to participate actively in the elections, where pro-Russian forces are poised to challenge the pro-EU status quo. The ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by Sandu, faces significant risks of losing its majority. A high voter turnout, particularly among the diaspora, is seen as crucial for maintaining Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. Moldova, which declared independence from the USSR over 30 years ago, has a significant Russian-speaking population and a breakaway region, Transnistria, supported by Moscow. Despite Russia’s lingering influence, Sandu has pursued EU integration, including a constitutional referendum last year that narrowly endorsed EU accession. However, the referendum was marred by evidence of Russian interference, including vote-buying. Analysts warn that Russia may resort to violence if pro-EU forces prevail in the elections. Recent reports from Bloomberg and the BBC have uncovered extensive Russian plans to sow unrest and spread disinformation, further complicating Moldova’s political landscape. Russia’s SVR intelligence service has even accused European countries of planning to falsify election results, a claim dismissed as baseless by experts. As Moldova braces for a high-stakes election, the nation’s future hangs in the balance between European integration and Russian influence.