Ahead of the 28 September 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova, Russian hybrid warfare tactics have targeted the country by using the Russian Orthodox Church, under Moscow Patriarchate authority, as a vehicle to spread propaganda and disinformation. Moldovan security experts and government officials warn that the church has been involved in political propaganda activities, which are illegal under Moldovan law. This effort aims to hinder Moldova’s European accession by influencing the electorate and maintaining Moscow’s geopolitical influence. The EU has denounced the Russian disruption campaign targeting Moldova, emphasizing the importance of the election for the country’s future alignment. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed Moldova has fulfilled technical criteria to start accession negotiations, but political support is pending among EU members. Moldovan President Maia Sandu plans to address the EU Parliament about risks of Russian interference. The situation highlights Moscow’s use of religious institutions as a hybrid warfare tool in Moldova’s political landscape.
Category: Societal & Cultural Pressure
Subcategory: Propaganda & Cultural Manipulation
Incident Type: Sponsoring cultural influence campaigns
Country: Moldova
Source report: www.euronews.com/my-europe…
