French President Macron Supports Moldova’s European Union Aspirations Amid Russian Aggression
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Moldova’s decision to pursue European Union membership aligns with peace and the rule of law, emphasizing the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine only a few hundred kilometers from the Moldovan capital, reports 24brussels.
Macron condemned “Kremlin propaganda,” asserting that it seeks to portray Europeans as aggressors extending the conflict in Ukraine. “Those are lies,” he stated, highlighting that “unlike Russia, the European Union threatens no one and respects the sovereignty of all … The European Union is in no way the Soviet Union.”
The remarkable visit by Macron, alongside two other influential European leaders, aims to bolster the electoral campaign of Moldova’s pro-European President Maia Sandu as the country approaches a pivotal parliamentary election on September 28.
President Sandu, who narrowly retained her presidency last year, has made EU membership central to her political agenda. In her address, she cautioned against Russia’s ongoing attempts to manipulate the election process and mislead voters about the EU’s intentions regarding Ukraine and beyond.
Moldova, a nation of 2.4 million situated between Romania and Ukraine, remains a significant target for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has employed hybrid strategies, including disinformation campaigns and vote-buying, to exert influence over the nation while continuing military actions against Ukraine.
