Moldovan citizens living in Moscow are seen queuing to vote at a polling station during the 2024 Moldovan elections in Moscow, Russia on October 20, 2024.
Moldovans headed to the polls on Sunday for a presidential election and a referendum on EU membership with the votes being held under the shadow of the ongoing struggle between the West and Russia over Moldova.
Moldova's political destiny was hanging in the balance on Monday after key votes on whether to embrace a future with Europe, or to remain within Russia's orbit.
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, it has seesawed between pro-Russia and pro-Europe governments, such as President Sandu's current administration.
Formal talks on joining the bloc already began in June, but the — non-legally binding — referendum of Sunday was seen as cementing Moldova's pro-EU trajectory.
Persons:
Maia Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Sandu's
Organizations:
West, European Union, Moldova's, Commission, CNBC, Russia
Locations:
Moscow, Russia, Moldova, Europe, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Soviet Union