Kremlin is trying to manipulate mood of the Moldovan diaspora
russia is stepping up its interference in Moldova’s parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28, aiming to depress turnout or steer voters toward so-called pro-European forces. The National Security Advisor to the President of Moldova, Stanislav Secrieru, pointed to renewed activity by the “matryoshka” network, which spreads disinformation to discredit democratic institutions.
These manipulations are primarily aimed at the Moldovan diaspora. In the previous presidential election the diaspora played a decisive role, so now the kremlin is focusing on overseas voters. For example, in May pro-russian bots launched a campaign to drive a wedge between Maia Sandu and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.
▫️ Moldovan President Maia Sandu previously stated that russia is trying to influence the country’s domestic politics through project funding, disinformation, and cyberattacks in order to get loyal forces into parliament. Propagandists immediately ridiculed her remarks, calling them “fear of defeat.”
▫️ This is part of the kremlin’s broader campaign to maintain influence in the region, destabilize the situation, and slow down European integration. Various methods are used — from hacking attacks to manipulative content.
Earlier, the Center prepared an analytical report on the channels and methods used to spread russian propaganda in Moldova.
