Russia’s hybrid war in Europe does not always succeed, and the Republic of Moldova clearly proves this, according to an analysis published by journalist Peter Pomerantsev in the Financial Times. Estimates show that although the Kremlin spent hundreds of millions of euros on cyberattacks, vote buying, and media influence, Vladimir Putin failed to impose control over the government in Chisinau or to return politicians loyal to Moscow to power, disinfo.md reports.
Pomerantsev notes that law enforcement agencies dismantled vote buying networks, investigative journalists exposed troll farms, and pro democracy NGOs warned vulnerable groups about disinformation.
“If Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, with a population of 2.4 million, can defeat Russian hybrid attacks, why cannot the rest of the continent?” the Financial Times analysis asks.
Pomerantsev argues that the narrative of Russias geopolitical victories remains vulnerable both at home and abroad. He believes Ukraine and its allies must clearly signal to Putin that peace negotiations will not satisfy all of his demands.
The analysis also states that although Putin claims strategic victories, most of these assertions represent propaganda and manipulation, many of which Ukrainians and others have successfully exposed. As an example, Pomerantsev recalls how Moscow announced the capture of the city of Kupiansk, after which Volodymyr Zelenskyy released a video recorded in the city itself.
The journalist concludes that weakening Russian propaganda marks only the first step, and that Kyiv and its allies must find solutions that allow them to project their own power more effectively.