Moldova votes on European future in shadow of alleged Russian meddling

A participant of Moldovan presidential candidate Octavian Ticu's campaign hands out leaflets while agitating voters in a street ahead of the country's upcoming presidential election and a referendum on future European Union membership, in Chisinau, Moldova October 15, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Moldova's citizens vote on Sunday in a presidential election and an EU referendum that come at a pivotal moment in the tussle between Russia and the West for the future of the poor, landlocked southeast European nation of under 3 million people.

As the war in Ukraine rages to the east and turns the political and diplomatic spotlight on the former Soviet republic, it has accelerated its push to escape Moscow's orbit and embarked on the long process of EU accession talks.