UK intelligence warns Moldova of Russian hybrid attacks
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova (getty images)
Russia is gearing up for a wave of so-called hybrid attacks on Moldova ahead of presidential elections and a referendum on joining the European Union, according to Bloomberg.
Britain will share intelligence with Moldovan authorities to help them counter the anticipated threat from Russian operatives in the coming months, sources familiar with British intelligence assessments told the publication.
On Tuesday in London, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi will meet with Britain's Minister of Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani to discuss Russia's subversive interference.
Kremlin's plans for Moldova
Popșoi said in an interview last week that the Kremlin uses various methods to undermine democracy in Moldova, from deepfakes created by artificial intelligence to bags of cash.
Last month, Moldova's intelligence chief Alexandru Musteață warned that Moscow plans a campaign of "unprecedented intensity". He said his country has information indicating that Russia intends to disrupt this year's presidential elections and the EU referendum.
Speaking at a conference of EU parliament heads, Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said Russia wants to disrupt the future electoral process in Moldova, hence EU representatives need to help Chisinau continue its fight for democracy.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated that Moldova is a target of Russian interference because Moscow wants to thwart the country's integration with the EU.
