President Maia Sandu holds a press briefing on the security situation in Moldova.

“In the last few days, there have been discussions in the public space about the security of our country. President Zelenski’s statements about the Russian Federation’s plans to destabilize Moldova have been confirmed by our institutions.

Russia’s plan to undertake subversive actions on the territory of our state is not new. Attempts to destabilise the situation and undermine the state were also made last autumn, but they did not achieve their goal thanks to the prompt interventions of our security and public order institutions. Between October and December, the police and the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) intervened in several cases of organised criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.

In autumn, the focus was on the energy crisis, which was expected to cause major discontent among the population and lead to violent protests. The plan for the coming period involves actions involving diversionaries with military training, disguised as civilians, to carry out violent actions, attacks on state buildings and hostage-taking.

Violent actions, disguised as protests by the so-called opposition, would force a change of power in Chisinau.

The documents received from our Ukrainian partners show a good documentation of the locations and logistical aspects of the organisation of these subversive activities. The plan also assumes the use of outsiders for violent actions.

For example, the materials contain instructions on the rules of entry into Moldova for citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro.

I assure you that state institutions are working to prevent such provocations and keep the situation under control.

In carrying out the plan, the perpetrators are counting on several internal forces, but in particular on criminal groups such as the Shor party and all its derivatives, some veterans, former employees of the law enforcement agencies, and several people known for their links with Plahotniuc.

As I mentioned earlier, the aim of these actions is to overturn the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power in Chisinau to an illegitimate one, which would put our country at Russia’s disposal, in order to stop the process of European integration, but also so that Moldova can be used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

In order to prevent this scenario, I call on all state institutions to show maximum vigilance.

The Moldovan Parliament must adopt, as soon as possible, the draft laws that will provide the SIS and the Prosecutor’s Office with the necessary tools to combat more effectively the risks to the country’s security. All those who participate in these actions against the Moldovan state – external elements, members of political parties and criminal groups, and all those who protect them, must be held accountable.

The safety of citizens and the security of the country is our main concern and we will continue to do everything necessary to protect our state and citizens, peace and public order. I want to ask you to remain vigilant, to be careful and to believe official information, because the most aggressive form of attack is the information attack.

The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed. Let’s remain calm. Let’s believe in Moldova,” said President Maia Sandu.

Volodimir Zelenski told a European Council meeting on Thursday (9 February) that Ukraine had intercepted the Russian Federation’s plan to destabilise Moldova. According to the Ukrainian president, it envisaged taking control of the state. The statements were confirmed by the Information and Security Service (SIS) in Chisinau, which said that “subversive activities aimed at undermining the state of Moldova, destabilisation and violation of public order have been identified”.

SIS representatives issued a press release confirming receipt of information from Ukrainian partners, but said they could not provide further details “as there is a risk of jeopardising various operational activities underway”.

The presidency came with clarifications in this context, noting that Moldovan President Maia Sandu is in “permanent contact” with leaders of states and governments of European countries and other external partners, including President Volodimir Zelenski, with whom “she has a continuous exchange of views and information on the situation in the region”.