President Maia Sandu has dismissed the chief of Moldova's military as the country prepares to hold a crucial presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union.
The move came a week after Moldova's Defense Ministry proposed that Brigadier General Eduard Ohladciuc be relieved of his position as Chief of National Army General Staff and commander of Moldova's military due to the expiry of his military service contract.
He had been appointed to the position in November 2021.
When contacted by RFE/RL, the ministry declined to say who would replace Ohladciuc and when his replacement will take over the position.
Former Defense Minister Anatol Salaru told RFE/RL that important personnel dismissals are usually discussed beforehand with the country's political leadership.
Salaru added that the name of the person who will take over the vacant position is usually known well in advance since the military "cannot remain without leadership for long."
Moldovan political analyst Andrei Curararu told RFE/RL that the reappointment or dismissal of the army chief depends not only on his performance but also on the president's "political considerations."
Under the U.S.-educated Sandu, Moldova -- one of Europe's poorest countries and a former Soviet republic where Russia maintained strong influence after Chisinau became independent more than three decades ago -- has experienced an about-face toward the West since she defeated Moscow-backed incumbent Igor Dodon in November 2020.
SEE ALSO: Wider Europe Briefing: A Conversation With Maia Sandu Over Moldova's EU Chances; 'Ukraine Fatigue' At Forum 2000After the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Sandu's government sided firmly with the European Union, condemning Moscow's war of aggression and admitting tens of thousands of refugees from neighboring Ukraine.
Chisinau eventually secured an invitation in 2022 to join the EU and started membership negotiations with the 27-member bloc in June.
Sandu, who is facing a crucial test for her reelection on October 20, has proposed holding the EU referendum simultaneously with the presidential poll.
Her administration has embarked on an effort to limit Moscow's still powerful influence in the country ahead of the polls.
Last month, Ohladciuc's predecessor, Igor Gorgan, was charged with treason and spying for Russia.
Analyst Curararu told RFE/RL that the Defense Ministry is currently undergoing a process of removing "potential intelligence sources working for Russia" and are looking for a new army chief who could manage this process faster and more efficiently.
In a separate development, Moldova's Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) banned seven mostly Russian news siteson September 26, including that of state news agency RIA Novosti, which it said posed "national security risks" for Chisinau.