European Leaders to Visit Moldova in United Front Against Russian Pressure

French, German and Polish Leaders to Visit Moldova in Show of Support Against Russia.

The leaders of France, Germany and Poland will travel to Moldova on Wednesday to demonstrate support for the pro-EU nation as it prepares for parliamentary elections overshadowed by claims of Russian interference. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will meet President Maia Sandu in Chisinau during celebrations marking Moldova’s 34th Independence Day. The visit is meant to underline Europe’s backing for Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and EU membership bid.

“This is a show of support by European leaders as Russia steps up its interference ahead of crucial elections,” the Moldovan presidency said in a statement. Sandu, re-elected last year, has accused Moscow of trying to destabilize the country through vote buying, illicit funding and support for the pro-Moscow separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian troops remain stationed. She has claimed Russia has earmarked €100 million to sway the September vote.

The three leaders will hold a joint press briefing with Sandu before attending an official dinner and delivering speeches at the Independence Day celebrations in central Chisinau. “This visit is a strong signal to Russia that Europe stands with Moldova,” said Valeriu Pasha of the Chisinau-based Watchdog think tank, calling it the first time the Weimar Triangle leaders have visited the country together.

Sandu’s PAS party is currently favoured in polls, but analysts say heavy Russian interference and voter discontent over economic challenges make the outcome uncertain. The visit also comes amid stalled international efforts to advance peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. France and Germany have both said the next move must come from Russian President Vladimir Putin.