Kremlin Intensifies Influence in Moldova: Large-Scale Disinformation Campaign and Attempts at Destabilization
Amid the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova scheduled for September 28, 2024, Moscow has stepped up its efforts to interfere in the country's internal affairs and manipulate the electoral process to favor pro-Russian candidates.
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, Russia employs a wide array of tools—ranging from large-scale information operations and cyberattacks to financial influence and support for pro-Russian political movements.
A central goal of these efforts is to undermine trust in democratic institutions and sow discord among the Moldovan population.
Special attention is given to the Moldovan diaspora, which played a significant role in previous presidential elections, and currently, Moscow is trying to sway abroad voters as well.
In May, pro-Russian bots launched extensive campaigns aimed at weakening the trust between Moldova's President Maia Sandu and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.
These actions include cyberattacks, dissemination of fake news, and spreading disinformation designed to destabilize the internal political situation.
President Sandu has repeatedly warned about Russia’s attempts to destabilize Moldova and disrupt stability through various means, including funding political projects, information warfare, and cyber-espionage.
The Center emphasizes that this interference is part of a broader Kremlin strategy to maintain regional influence and hinder the post-Soviet countries’ integration into the EU and NATO.
Both hacking operations and manipulative content are used to influence public opinion and political outcomes.
Earlier, the Center for Strategic Communications published an analytical report detailing the mechanisms and channels through which Russian propaganda spreads in Moldova.
Media sources have also reported that Romania offered Moldova support in cybersecurity due to fears of Russian interference.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressed readiness to assist Moldova in defending itself against cyber threats ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Sandu has previously warned that Russia's main aim in the upcoming elections, as well as the previous presidential elections, is to replace Moldova's leadership with pro-Russian figures Moscow can control.
If successful, Russia intends to use Chisinau as a tool against Ukraine and to expand its influence in the region further.