Russia’s hybrid war against Moldova has become increasingly visible in the context of the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has used multiple tools to destabilize Moldova, focusing on exploiting the country’s economic, energy, and political vulnerabilities, according to a report from the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies.
For example, according to disinfo.md, Russia has imposed economic embargoes and used Moldova’s energy dependence on Russian gas and electricity, especially from the separatist region of Transnistria, to exert pressure on the government in Chisinau.
Another element of the hybrid war has been the influence on the internal political environment, notably through the corruption of specific segments of political and economic elites. Pro-Russian parties, such as the one led by Igor Dodon and later Ilan Sor’s party, have been involved in influence strategies orchestrated by Russian intelligence services. Russia has attempted to undermine the pro-European government, including through protests financially supported by oligarchs and through information manipulation.
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Moldova has taken steps to reduce its dependence on Russia by diversifying its energy sources and tightening laws against separatism and Russian propaganda. Furthermore, support from the West, particularly from the EU, has been crucial in strengthening Moldova’s security and resilience.
These efforts are critical to protect Moldova as it approaches upcoming electoral cycles, where observers anticipate that Russian hybrid threats will continue.