Russia has angrily rejected the Moldovan president’s claim about an alleged Moscow plot to destabilize her government, accusing Moldovan authorities of attempting to divert public attention away from the country’s domestic problems.

On Tuesday Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, dismissed Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s claims as “absolutely unfounded and unsubstantiated”.

Sandu said on Monday that the alleged Russian plot called for attacks on government buildings, hostage-takings, and other violent actions by saboteurs in order to put the country “at the disposal of Russia” and derail its hopes of joining the European Union.

Sandu’s claim came a week after Ukraine’s President said his country had intercepted Russian plans to destroy Moldova.