Vladimir Putin allegedly trying to overthrow the government of this country, according to its President

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu revealed on Monday 13 February that Moscow is plotting to overthrow her country’s government.

Kremlin is 'attempting to bring violence' to Moldova

President Sandu claimed that Moscow intends to achieve its goal by using foreign saboteurs. By overthrowing the government, she believes Moscow wants to put the country 'at the disposal of Russia' and thwart its future aspirations of becoming part of the European Union.

Sandu told reporters at a briefing:

The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages.

She continued:

The purpose of these actions is to overthrow the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from Chisinau to an illegitimate one, which would put our country at the disposal of Russia, in order to stop the European integration process.

Sandu then promised:

The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed.

Read more:

⋙ Vladimir Putin ally makes worrying threat against this European country on live TV

⋙ Vladimir Putin's former ally believes he will avoid being overthrown by using this tactic

Zelenskyy supports claim and Russian missile enters airspace

Sandu cited comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just last week to EU leaders at the European Council summit in Brussels. He said his country had received Russian intelligence that showed the Kremlin had plans 'for the destruction of Moldova'. Moldovan intelligence officials then confirmed this.

The day after Zelenskyy made this claim, on Friday 10 February, Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita announced she was resigning. Just before the announcement, Moldovan authorities confirmed reports that a Russian missile had crossed over into its airspace before re-entering Ukraine.

Read more:

⋙ Russian military expert threatens this country on state TV: It 'needs to carefully consider the risks'

⋙ Vladimir Putin's right-hand man warns war will 'continue throughout Europe' starting with this country

US: 'A page right out of Putin's playbook'

After confirmation of the missile incident, US State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington that:

Russia has for years supported influence and destabilization campaigns in Moldova, which often involve weaponizing corruption to further its goals.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded to Sandu's comments later on Monday in a press briefing. He said:

Deeply concerning reports. We absolutely stand with the Moldovan government and Moldovan people. We haven't seen independent confirmation, but it's certainly a page right out of Putin's playbook.

Sources used:

- Independent: 'Moldova's President outlines Russian 'plan' to topple gov't'

- Reuters: 'Moldovan president warns of Russian plot to topple leadership'

- Newsweek: 'White House 'Deeply Concerned' About Putin's Reported Power Grab'