Russia prepares to interfere in Moldova’s upcoming elections

Russia is stepping up its information campaign in Moldova ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, according to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
The central element of this strategy is an article by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu entitled Moldova at a Crossroads, in which the Kremlin traditionally accuses the European Union of external control and dragging the country into NATO.
In his statement, Shoigu stressed that Moscow will accept any choice made by the citizens of Moldova, but added that it must be a real expression of will, not a falsification.
Such rhetoric creates the groundwork for a possible challenge to the results of the vote and justification for further Russian interference in the country's internal affairs.
In parallel with the Kremlin's official statements, pro-Russian media, political forces, and bot networks on social media are becoming increasingly active in the information space, spreading disinformation and discrediting pro-European forces.
This influence operation aims to preserve Russia's leverage in the region, disrupt Moldova's European integration, and weaken the position of the pro-European government by mobilizing the pro-Russian electorate.
Elections in Moldova
Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Moldova (September 28), the Kremlin is stepping up its propaganda aimed at discrediting the pro-European authorities, undermining confidence in the electoral process, and dividing the diaspora.
The main focus is on the topic of political prisoners and repression against pro-Russian forces.
On July 20, Moldova's Central Election Commission began accepting documents for the registration of candidates for parliamentary elections.
The CEC refused to register the pro-Russian bloc Victory, led by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, for the parliamentary elections. This decision was made by a majority vote.
On July 15, the EU approved a new package of sanctions against pro-Russian politicians and organizations in Moldova. Brussels claims that Moscow is trying to destabilize the situation ahead of the parliamentary elections.