Moldovan authorities conducted 250 raids, detaining dozens in a crackdown on an alleged Russian-backed plot to incite mass riots before Sunday's parliamentary elections. The operation targeted over 100 individuals, with 74 held for up to 72 hours. Authorities claim the plot was coordinated from Russia, involving individuals trained in Serbia. The elections are seen as a pivotal moment for Moldova's choice between closer ties with the EU or Russia, with concerns of disinformation campaigns influencing the outcome.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.