Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won re-election with approximately 54% of the vote, defeating Kremlin-backed Alexandr Stoianoglo in a tightly contested runoff election. Sandu's victory follows a narrow passage of a referendum aimed at enshrining EU membership as a national goal, which was marred by allegations of significant Russian interference, including vote-buying schemes and cyberattacks. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, praised Sandu for her strength amid these challenges. Despite securing her position, Sandu faced difficulties in the initial voting round and attributed her success to support from the Moldovan diaspora. The election underscored Moldova's ongoing struggle between pro-European aspirations and Russian influence, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Sandu's administration now faces the task of preparing for parliamentary elections and addressing the concerns of a divided electorate.