The United States is "deeply concerned" about reports of a Russian plot to destabilize Moldova, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried said on February 15 in an interview with RFE/RL.
“I think we are -- all of us -- all too familiar with Russia’s playbook,” Donfried said. “We’ve seen what Russia has done in many places, including Moldova, including Ukraine, including Georgia. The list could continue.”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu earlier this week spoke of the alleged plot, saying she had received documents from Ukrainian intelligence services that showed Moscow was planning actions against her country.
SEE ALSO: Russia Denies It's Seeking To Destabilize Moldova As Chisinau Calls For 'Maximum Vigilance'The United States has been “in very close contact with our Moldovan partners during what is a critical time, and we strongly support the leadership of Moldovan President Maia Sandu,” Donfried said.
She noted that Moldova is in a vulnerable geographical position, with a war in neighboring Ukraine and the challenge of the breakaway Transdniester region, where Russia maintains troops.
While Moldova faces these difficulties, it has the leadership of Sandu, who has shown a deep commitment to a reform agenda and the desire to move forward on the path of creating a stronger democracy in Moldova, Donfried said.
Sandu currently faces a political crisis prompted by the resignation of Natalia Gavrilita, who last week stepped down as prime minister, triggering the resignation of the entire cabinet.
Sandu immediately appointed former Interior Minister Dorin Recean to replace Gavrilita, whose 18 months in power were overshadowed by the conflict in Ukraine, which has at times threaten to spill over into Moldova.
Recean is expected to propose a new government to parliament on February 16. Sandu has said its mission will include accelerating a cleanup of the justice system and the fight against corruption and economic growth.
Donfried said the United States is “very supportive of the new government coming in and the renewed commitment to reform.”
A strategic dialogue between Washington and Chisinau has been “very productive and constructive,” and the United States will continue to coordinate very closely with Moldova not only in terms of immediate difficulties related to energy and economic pressures, but also in terms of reforms, she added.
“We will continue to be there with Moldova at a very critical time,” Donfried said.