The Kremlin has developed a plan to interfere in the Moldovan elections

This is a multi-level strategy approved directly by the Kremlin. The documents state that the goal is to undermine the chances of President Maia Sandu's Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the September 28 elections and, ultimately, to remove her from power, according to Bloomberg.

One of the documents notes that one of the main aspects of the Kremlin's plan is to create the impression of competitive struggle, but in reality it is aimed at weakening support for Sandu.

The Kremlin's tactics include:

- recruiting Moldovans abroad, including in Russia, to vote at polling stations in the EU and other countries;
- recruiting people to organize disruptive protests;
- a large-scale disinformation campaign on social media.

Another key part of Putin's plans involves using compromising materials to pressure government officials to disrupt the electoral process.

Among the Russian Federation's potential plans is the recruitment of young men from sports clubs and criminal groups to organize violent provocations during the vote and protests after it.

This will include demonstrations demanding Sandu's resignation if her party loses the election, or aimed at discrediting the results if she wins.

The main focus is also on what will happen after the election. According to European officials, the support that Moldova's opposition parties receive from Moscow varies and ranges from consultations to financing.

Two European officials familiar with the matter said that Russia is almost certain to implement most of these plans.

Photo: osce.usmission.gov.