started · updated
Russia targets Moldova to destabilize NATO and EU by 2026
A New York Times investigation, supported by Western intelligence officials, reveals a strategic Russian plan to weaken and destroy NATO and the European Union from within by 2026. Following Ukraine, Moldova has been identified as a primary target for Kremlin destabilization efforts.
The operation involves a multi-pronged approach: testing NATO's collective defense resolve through potential limited attacks, and conducting extensive hybrid warfare in Moldova. Tactics include sophisticated cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the recruitment of religious figures to spread anti-European messages.
Reports detail a massive vote-buying scheme in Moldova, allegedly costing hundreds of millions of dollars and funded by businessman Ilan Șor under the direction of Russian official Sergey Kiriyenko. Additionally, Russian intelligence (GRU) has reportedly organized paramilitary training camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare pro-Russian Moldovans for civil unrest, including training in using drones and incendiary tactics.
Western officials warn that Russia aims to use Moldova as a springboard for further aggression against Ukraine and Europe, potentially seeking to establish a land corridor to the breakaway region of Transnistria.
Entities
European Union · Ilan Șor · Moldova · NATO · Russia · The New York Times · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The GRU organized training for young Moldovans in Serbia, Bosnia, and near Moscow to learn how to organize riots and use explosives. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.wprost.pl · www.upday.com · soha.vn · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nearly 20 million dollars were paid to activists prior to the 2024 referendum. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.wprost.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Kremlin has rejected accusations of destabilizing Moldova, calling them ‘untrue claims’. www.wprost.pl · www.gandul.ro
- [● 19 SOURCES] Russia's top priorities are the conquest of Ukraine and establishing political control over Moldova. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.wprost.pl · www.kyivpost.com · www.upday.com · +11 more
- [● 21 SOURCES] Vladimir Putin ordered intelligence services and military forces to work toward destroying NATO and the EU from within by 2026. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · sapo.pt · www.wprost.pl · www.kyivpost.com · +13 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] A large-scale vote-buying system is being operated by businessman Ilan Șor under the control of Russian official Sergey Kiriyenko. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.wprost.pl · www.upday.com · www.cna.gr · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russian hackers breached the systems of Moldova's Central Electoral Commission. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg
- [● 20 SOURCES] Putin announced these strategic plans during a closed-door meeting with the Russian military command in December 2025. fakti.bg · www.vesti.bg · sapo.pt · www.wprost.pl · www.kyivpost.com · +11 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation includes a vote-buying scheme costing hundreds of millions of dollars, allegedly funded by Ilan Shor. www.cna.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · javanews.al
- [● 4 SOURCES] Three camp participants arrested in October 2024 were found with drone components and a manual titled 'Russian Cuisine: The ABCs of Homemade Terrorism'. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.dukagjini.com · rrugapress.al
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russia has used Telegram for recruitment and utilized priests to spread anti-European messages in Moldova. www.cna.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · javanews.al
- [● 4 SOURCES] A Russian instructor struck him in the face and knocked out a tooth during training in Bosnia and Herzegovina. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.dukagjini.com · rrugapress.al