Vladimir Putin is attempting to seize the country of Moldova before it joins the European Union, leading international observer fear.

The Russian president is allegedly trying to get his claws into the former Soviet republic by using land advances in Ukraine. Analysts say that after Moldova voted to begin the process of joining the EU, Putin fears the territory may escape his clutches forever.

Earlier this week, the country voted 'yes' to pro-EU constitutional changes, but by a very slim margin. 50.39 per cent affirmed the steps towards joining the EU, with just 49.61 per cent opposing.

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This poses a problem for Russian powers hoping to expand their dominion, after making an enemy of the EU by declaring war on Ukraine. The EU have placed billions of sanctions upon Russia for their aggressive actions.

As a result, Putin has reportedly been forced to using political tactics to try and destabilise Moldova. One expert on Russian policy warned that the dictator will stop at nothing to swallow up the country.

Orysia Lutsevych, Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House said: "[Putin] is consistent in his vision, that it [Moldova] belongs to him, and, as we see with Ukraine, he's willing to take high losses, pay a high, high price."

Lutsevych explained that she foresees Putin using similar tactics to that he did with Ukraine. She worried he may build a land bridge to Moldova through Ukraine, using occupied territories.

She continued: "He's interested in Moldova as a whole and these territories would only be as a ways to get his goals to the to control. I think he may use these territories as clubs to incapacitate Moldova first and then eventually get it in full-fledged control."

Lutseyvch warns this may mark the "collapse" of Moldova. The President of Moldova also appears aware of the incoming threat – having accused Moscow of buying votes for the EU election on Monday.

President Maia Sandu alleges that Putin attempted to buy 20% of the vote (300,000 people) to ensure Moldova does not join the EU.

President Sandu won the presidency in October with 42% of the vote, but experts now feel the opposition could gang up on her and instead support the pro-Russian candidate.

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