Moldova’s national intelligence agency has raised concerns over Russia’s plans to launch hybrid attacks against the country in the lead-up to its presidential elections and a critical referendum on EU membership. Intelligence Chief Alexandru Musteata highlighted that Moscow’s tactics include inciting social discord within Moldova, particularly in regions with historical or ethnic ties to Russia, such as Transnistria and Gagauzia. These strategies aim to undermine the referendum and tarnish the reputation of candidates favoring European integration.
Amidst a period of increasing tension between Moldova and Russia, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Moldova’s pivot towards the European Union and its support for sanctions against Russia have prompted the Kremlin to employ various measures to reassert its influence over the country. Notably, Russia’s approach has involved leveraging social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok to propagate pro-Moscow sentiments, organize anti-government demonstrations, and foster ethnic divisions.
Past instances of Russian interference have seen the use of social media advertising campaigns to support pro-Russian figures in Moldova, with one campaign reaching over 155 million views. Accusations from Moldovan leaders, including the former Prime Minister and President Maia Sandu, have pointed to Russia’s efforts at destabilizing Moldova through sponsored protests, cyberattacks, and false bomb threats. These activities are part of what has been described as a hybrid war against the nation.
The surge in cyberattacks against Moldova, attributed to its stance on the Ukraine crisis, has highlighted the country’s vulnerabilities in digital security. Despite these challenges, Moldova has taken steps towards enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure, adopting a new law with Estonian assistance. This law mandates incident reporting and sets standards for internet service providers and critical infrastructure, aiming to bolster Moldova’s defenses against such hybrid threats as it navigates its path towards European integration.
