Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 9/23/25… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Deborah Ross (NC-02), Co-Chairs of the Moldova Caucus, released the following statement ahead of Moldova’s parliamentary elections on September 28th. 

The lawmakers wrote: 

“We express our deep concern over continued efforts by Russia to undermine Moldova’s democracy and rig Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28th. Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to unduly influence election results through influence operations.

During Moldova’s 2024 presidential election, Russia spent €100 million to undermine the electoral process and dissuade Moldovans from supporting closer ties with the EU. Moldovan authorities also uncovered a large-scale voter fraud scheme where $50 million was transferred to 130,000 Moldovans as part of a voter bribery operation over the past two months alone.

Russia’s efforts to install a puppet government in Chisinau would turn the country into Russia’s geopolitical foothold behind Ukraine's back, negatively impact regional security and stability along Ukraine’s borders, and create a hotbed of tensions in the region.

As Co-Chairs of the House Moldova Caucus and stalwart supporters of the transatlantic alliance, EU cohesion, and Moldova’s democratic journey, we support efforts to combat Russian malign influence targeting Moldovan elections. Russia’s hybrid war against Moldova cannot be tolerated.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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