09/29 – International News Story

As Moldova prepares for its upcoming elections on October 20, the Kremlin is deploying disinformation and its financial influence, according to Chișinău’s national security chief. [Politico]

Moscow is reportedly channeling millions of euros and deploying a vast network of social media accounts to prevent Moldova’s potential EU membership, a top official warned.

Stanislav Secrieru, Moldova’s national security adviser, described Russia’s efforts as an “unprecedented wave” of hybrid tactics aimed at the country, as it nears a pivotal vote on joining the EU. 

“We are witnessing a chilling strategy centered on exploiting fear, particularly the fear of war,” Secrieru said. “For the first time, Russia’s disinformation campaign is dangerously linking Moldova’s pursuit of EU membership with the threat of war within our borders.” He emphasized that President Maia Sandu, who supports European integration, is the primary target of a “bold digital offensive” aimed at undermining the country’s Western ties. [Politico]

Secrieru revealed that law enforcement estimates suggest €50 million was funneled into the previous year’s elections to buy influence, from media propagandists to vulnerable voters. He expects that the upcoming presidential election and referendum will see an even greater influx of illicit funds, predicting Russia could spend around €100 million to interfere in Moldova’s democratic process.

He also noted that Russian intelligence is “flooding the political scene with fake parties and candidates, ranging from pro-Russian to fake pro-European.” On October 20, voters will decide whether to re-elect Sandu and vote on a referendum regarding EU accession. Moldova, which gained EU candidate status last year, began accession talks in December.

To counter Russia’s hybrid threats, Brussels has sent a civilian mission to Moldova. Last summer, Ukrainian intelligence revealed a plot funded by Moscow to violently overthrow Moldova’s government, allegedly involving pro-Russian politician Ilhan Shor, whose party has since been banned from participating in the elections.

Reports from the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies highlighted the use of social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram to target young people and called on Brussels to pressure tech companies into taking action.

This week, Moldova banned five Russian state media outlets, and Secrieru announced that the country is ramping up its defenses against cyberattacks.