Moldova voted “Yes” in a referendum on whether the goal of EU membership should be included in the Constitution, with 50.46% of the vote, while Russia’s “No” vote received 49.54%.
Simultaneously, Moldova held presidential elections. Pro-Western President Maia Sandu won the first round with 42% and is set to face pro-Russian Alexandr Stoianoglo in the second round.
Russia, the European Union, and the United States closely monitored the referendum as they sought to maintain or expand their influence in the country.
Moldova is a former Soviet country that borders Ukraine and Romania, with a significant Russian influence.
The United States and the European Union, seeking to build support for Moldova’s President Maia Sandu and the referendum, provided financial aid to the country, including a package of around $2 billion announced this month.
Both have accused Russia of funding the opposition and attempting to buy votes to secure a “No” vote in the referendum.
Moldova’s potential EU membership is still years away, but the process has been accelerated by the West due to concerns, according to the NYT, over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a renewed effort to block Moscow’s influence in other former Soviet territories.
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