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Moldova disinformation: StratCom identifies coordinated fake drone factory narrative
The Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation (StratCom) has identified a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting Moldova. The campaign involved 13 Telegram accounts spreading 21 messages over two days, alleging that Moldovan authorities are secretly constructing a drone factory.
StratCom noted that the narrative was often framed as a question to allow authors to avoid direct responsibility. Four of the accounts involved were identified as belonging to Sputnik Moldova, with others being closely associated. The disinformation emerged following seven recorded drone airspace violations in Moldova between October 10 and October 16.
Approximately three hours after the initial Telegram posts, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described Moldova as an ‘anti-Russian Western testing ground.’ StratCom suggests the campaign aims to promote the narrative of Moldova’s ‘militarization’ and create confusion between false claims and real security incidents.
Entities
Ion Ceban · Maria Zakharova · Moldova · STRATCOM · Sputnik Moldova
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Moldova as an anti-Russian Western testing ground. ziar.md · www.zdg.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] Seven airspace violations by drones were recorded in Moldova between October 10 and October 16. ziar.md · www.zdg.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] A network of 13 Telegram accounts published 21 messages regarding a secret drone factory in Moldova within two days. ziar.md · www.zdg.md
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban released a video requesting the government to clarify if the drone factory rumors were true. www.zdg.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] Four of the Telegram accounts involved belong to Sputnik Moldova, with others described as being associated with it. ziar.md · www.zdg.md