Russia's plans to stage coup in Moldova involving hostage-taking, Sandu says

President Maia Sandu of Moldova spoke of Russia’s plans to organize a coup in the country, involving opposition protests and engaging participants with military training, as well as citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro, to attack government buildings and topple the government.

The leader stated this on Monday at a press conference on the issue of the country's security, Ukrinform reports with reference to NewsMaker.

According to Sandu, this is not the first time Russia intends to destabilize Moldova. Such attempts were made last autumn, but thanks to the prompt intervention of the Moldovan authorities, they were foiled, the president said.

"The plan (drafted by Russia - ed.) for the future period envisages sabotage with the involvement of persons with military training, disguised as civilians, to resort to violence, attack government buildings, and take hostages," the president said.

She noted that with the help of opposition protests, Russia intends to implement a coup d'état scenario.

"The documents received from our Ukrainian partners expose the locations and logistical aspects of this subversive act’s organization. The plan also involves the use of foreigners in committing violent acts. For example, the documents received contain instructions for citizens of Russia, Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro on how to cross into Moldova," said Sandu.

She assured that state security agencies are working to prevent these acts of provocation and keep the situation under control.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine during his speech at a special meeting of the European Council last week said that Ukraine intercepted Russia's plan to destabilize the political situation in Moldova.