Moldova's President Maia Sandu has disclosed a thwarted coup attempt by Russian forces earlier this year. In an interview with the Financial Times, she revealed that Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group had orchestrated a plan to seize control of Moldova.
Prigozhin had meticulously planned to use mercenaries to instigate events that would lead to Moldova falling under Russian control.
The strategy involved turning anti-government protests violent, leading to the ousting of the current government and president. The new leaders would then be Kremlin loyalists.
Sandu stated that detailed intelligence about the Russian plot was provided by Ukrainian authorities and Western intelligence agencies. These documents outlined the logistical aspects of the Wagner Group's planned operation in Moldova.
The plan was not limited to Russian nationals. Citizens from Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro were also to be involved. Additionally, internal forces within Moldova, such as the pro-Russian opposition party Sor and individuals affiliated with oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, were part of the scheme.
This is according to The Kyiv Independent in a tweet below.
Despite the failure of the initial plan, Russia continues to seek ways to destabilize Moldova. Sandu warns that Russia is likely to ramp up pressure, especially with local elections approaching in Moldova.
This is not the first time Russia has tried to overthrow a pro-European government in Moldova. Sandu believes that another attempt is inevitable. In a recent move, Moldova expelled 45 Russian diplomats, who were suspected of planning hostile activities against the country.
Russian authorities have countered these allegations, accusing Moldova of seeking a "hard confrontation" and spreading "lies" about destabilization attempts, particularly concerning the disputed region of Transnistria.
