Moldova shares a long border with Ukraine, while the two countries are currently on a joint EU accession track. These efforts reportedly expand beyond Moldova itself and are targeting the Moldovan diaspora, which played a key role in Sandu’s 2024 election win. Kyiv will be watching the Moldovan vote closely. A pro-Russian victory in Chisinau could therefore undermine Kyiv’s momentum while placing Moldovan EU ambitions in doubt. This week’s Moldovan parliamentary election is part of the escalating confrontation between Russia and the West.