Russia may disrupt Moldova’s upcoming elections — Bloomberg
Photo: The Kremlin intends to buy the elections in Moldova (Getty Images)
Russia has developed a plan to interfere in Moldova's parliamentary elections and intends to disrupt the country's course toward integration with the EU, Bloomberg reports.
According to documents obtained by the agency, the strategy was agreed upon by the Kremlin back in the spring and is aimed at reducing the chances of President Maia Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity in the September 28 vote.
The ultimate goal is to remove Sandu from power and bring pro-Russian forces to power.
Moldova between EU and Russia
Moldova, located between Ukraine and Romania, is seen as a key battleground in the geopolitical confrontation. A year ago, the country held a referendum on EU accession, which was accompanied by accusations of Russian interference by the authorities.
Documents show that Russia is prepared to use a wide range of tactics, from recruiting Moldovans abroad to vote at polling stations to organizing protests and a large-scale disinformation campaign on social media.
Methods of influence
The Kremlin also plans to use compromising information to pressure officials and disrupt the work of electoral bodies. It plans to spread fake news via Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, and even call centers.
President Maia Sandu warned: "The Kremlin’s goal is clear: to capture Moldova through the ballot box, to use us against Ukraine and to turn us into a launchpad for hybrid attacks on the European Union."
Moldovan government's response
The Moldovan police are actively fighting disinformation and vote-buying schemes. In August, the authorities blocked hundreds of TikTok accounts, and in September, they seized more than $300,000 in a case involving voter bribery.
The EU has expressed its support for Chisinau, and the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland visited Moldova at the end of August, stating the importance of maintaining the European course.
Western concerns
European officials are confident that Russia has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to interfere in the elections. According to their information, the Kremlin intends not only to strengthen pro-Russian forces but also to create the appearance of a competitive race to weaken Sandu's position.
The documents also show that Moscow is betting on young people, criminal groups, and sports clubs, which could be used for street provocations on and after election day.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of interfering in the country's parliamentary elections. According to her, the disinformation campaign is also aimed at the diaspora.
Earlier, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russia was stepping up its information campaign in Moldova ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28.
