The Union of War Volunteers of the Republic of Moldova in a public statement expressed its concern about the results of the first round of the presidential election and the referendum of October 20, noting that these results are influenced by pro-Russian forces. According to the Union’s president Sergiu Caracai, Alexandr Stoianoglo, one of the two candidates in the runoff presidential election, is a threat to Moldova's European path, IPN reports.

"An attempt is being made to thwart the European course of our country," said Sergiu Caracai, referring to the former prosecutor general's connections with such persons as Veaceslav Platon and Ilan Shor. "Such figures can decisively influence politics in the Republic of Moldova, disturbing the peace established on the banks of the Nistru and paving the way for the country's return under Russia's sphere of influence," said the Union of War Volunteers.

The volunteers criticized Alexandr Stoianoglo for the statements made at the electoral debate two days ago and reminded that on the day of the referendum on joining the EU, the candidate demonstrably refused to take the ballot paper, a gesture that, according to the Union of War Volunteers, is a proof of his pro-Russian position.

They also criticized Stoianoglo's statements about the impact of European funding on Moldova and stressed that the results achieved thanks to European support in rural regions, including in the Gagauz Autonomous Unit, are obvious.

Regarding the foreign policy, the Union of War Volunteers said that Alexandr Stoianoglo did not have a firm position on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and that he "shied away from condemning Russia's actions."

"Stoianoglo declares that he is independent, but in reality he is supported by the Party of Socialists, which is led from behind by Moscow," said Sergiu Caracai, adding that journalistic investigations point to the involvement of external networks of influence in his support.

At the end of the statement, the Union of War Volunteers expressed its support for the PAS presidential candidate Maia Sandu. According to Sergiu Caracai, "a possible victory of Stoianoglo will represent a major danger for the Republic of Moldova," and the election of Maia Sandu is the only solution to "ensure we have a democratic and prosperous Moldova."

"We, those who have always fought for independence, democracy, freedom and justice, for the European path of the Republic of Moldova, call on the whole country to defend these holy things and on Sunday, November 3, we can do it only together with the current President," concluded Sergiu Caracai.

The Union of War Volunteers called upon the authorities to monitor the activities of influencing the election and to prevent any attempt to rig the runoff presidential election

Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were affected by the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.