Russia Warns: Moldova’s Unification Referendum Plans Would Destroy Its Statehood

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any referendum in Moldova on reunification with Romania would undermine Moldovan sovereignty and effectively erase its statehood.

Speaking at his annual press conference in Moscow, Lavrov responded to recent remarks by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who said she would support unification with Romania in a hypothetical referendum to safeguard Moldova’s democracy from Russian influence. Sandu has repeatedly accused Moscow of interference in Moldova’s internal affairs, including attempts to destabilize its pro-Western government.

Lavrov described the idea of merger with Romania—an EU and NATO member—as incompatible with Moldova’s independent existence. He argued that unification would erase Moldova as a distinct state, despite the cultural, linguistic, and historical ties between the two countries, where Romanian is the majority language.

The comments come amid heightened tensions between Chisinau and Moscow. On Monday, Moldova announced it is completing formalities to withdraw from the Russia-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a bloc of former Soviet republics. Sandu has positioned Moldova firmly toward EU integration, with candidate status granted in 2022 and accession talks ongoing.

Moldova, a former Soviet republic of about 2.4 million people, has a Romanian-speaking majority and a significant Russian-speaking minority, particularly in the breakaway region of Transnistria, where Russian troops remain stationed. Sandu’s government has faced repeated allegations of Russian hybrid interference, including energy pressures, disinformation campaigns, and support for pro-Russian elements.

Russia has consistently opposed Moldova’s Western alignment, viewing it as part of broader NATO and EU encroachment in its traditional sphere of influence. As of Tuesday afternoon, no immediate response from Bucharest or Chisinau to Lavrov’s remarks had been reported.

The exchange underscores ongoing geopolitical friction in Eastern Europe, where Moldova balances Russian pressure against its aspirations for EU membership.