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Russia targets Moldova in extensive destabilization campaign
An investigation by the New York Times has detailed an extensive Russian operation aimed at destabilizing Moldova to undermine NATO and the European Union. According to Western intelligence officials, the Kremlin views Moldova as a strategic target and seeks to use it as a base for hostile activities against Ukraine and Europe.
The operation reportedly involves a multi-pronged approach, including a massive vote-buying scheme allegedly funded by Moldovan billionaire Ilan Shor, which has cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Russia has also utilized Telegram for recruitment, deployed cyberattacks, and used religious figures to spread anti-European propaganda from pulpits.
Furthermore, Russian operatives have organized training camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare pro-Russian Moldovans for civil unrest, including tactics for breaking police lines and causing riots. In one instance, a participant reported being physically assaulted by a Russian instructor during training in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moldovan authorities have previously arrested individuals linked to these efforts, seizing drone components and manuals on 'homemade terrorism'. Intelligence sources suggest that Vladimir Putin aims to achieve political control over Moldova by the end of 2026.
Entities
Ilan Shor · Maia Sandu · Moldova · New York Times · Russia · Russia · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 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
- [● 2 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.vijesti.ba
- [● 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
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Russian instructor struck him in the face and knocked out a tooth during training in Bosnia and Herzegovina. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 6 SOURCES] Russia is conducting an extensive operation to destabilize Moldova and influence its political landscape. www.cna.gr · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.jutarnji.hr · www.lykavitos.gr · javanews.al · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vladimir Putin has set a deadline of late 2026 to achieve political control over Moldova. www.jutarnji.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Kremlin aims to use Moldova as a springboard for hostile activities against Ukraine and the European Union. www.cna.gr · www.jutarnji.hr · www.lykavitos.gr · javanews.al
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russia has organized training camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare pro-Russian Moldovans for civil unrest. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.jutarnji.hr · www.vijesti.ba