The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service has alleged that the U.S. and its allies are pushing for the re-election of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to maintain the country’s accelerated alignment with the European Union and NATO, Azernews reports via TASS.

According to statements by Russian intelligence, the OSCE Secretariat reportedly foresees possible electoral violations in Moldova’s upcoming presidential election second round. Despite this, the OSCE allegedly has no plans to make these violations public, either after the first or the second round of voting.

The claims suggest that the OSCE is aware of possible irregularities intended to favor Sandu’s victory, but that they may opt not to disclose these findings to maintain a pro-Western trajectory for Moldova.

The accusations add a layer of tension to Moldova’s electoral process, raising concerns over both the integrity of the elections and the potential for foreign influence in the country’s future political direction.