Critics of the Russian presence say that, far from seeking a settlement, Moscow has kept the conflict on a low boil to prevent Moldova from joining the European Union or merging with Romania, an idea supported by some Moldovan politicians. The Kremlin has taken a similar approach to Ukraine, backing a separatist rebellion since a Russian-allied leader was ousted in 2014.
Ms. Sandu, who worked at the World Bank before entering politics, has said she was targeted by Russian disinformation during the campaign.
While she has made clear her views on closer E.U. ties, her victory comes with a twist to the usual competition between East and West in Eastern Europe in recent years.
In Ukraine and Belarus, pro-Western opposition parties have positioned themselves as strong opponents of official corruption by pro-Russian governments. Ms. Sandu also campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, but the main target of her criticism was a wealthy businessman once supported by the United States, not Russia.
To counter Russian influence in Moldova, the United States in 2016 had tacitly supported political parties aligned with Vlad Plahotniuc, a wealthy but unpopular banking tycoon. While voicing pro-Western views, Mr. Plahotniuc was deeply disliked at home for suspected corruption in amassing a fortune in an impoverished country. He is now a fugitive, accused of corruption by Moldovan authorities, who believe he is now living in Turkey.read more
Maia Sandu Wins Moldova Presidential Election Over Putin-Backed Rival
