Charges of Putin’s coup plans in Moldova by its president are ‘deeply concerning’ says US National Security Council spokesman
The US National Security Council has expressed alarm over allegations that Russian President Vladimir Putin is plotting a coup in Moldova.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu recently warned that Putin is intending to use foreign saboteurs to destroy her nation’s leadership and stop it from joining the European Union, adding that Moldovan intelligence services had also confirmed Ukraine had received a document detailing the alleged plot. Moldova has been an ally of Ukraine.
Sandu said that the Russian plan included the use of saboteurs disguised as civilians who had received military training, who would carry out violent actions, attacks on government buildings, and hostage-taking.
She also warned that the plan included the use of foreigners for violent activities, adding that reports received from Ukrainian partners had indicated the locations and logistical aspects of organizing the subversive activity.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby commented that, while the US has not independently verified the coup reports, he believes Putin is capable of such an act.
Kirby added that the US “absolutely stand(s) with the Moldovan government and Moldovan people.”
In response, Russia rejected the accusations, stating that “such claims are completely unfounded and unsubstantiated.”
The country also accused Ukraine of stirring tensions between Russia and Moldova.