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3 clusters · 6 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Russian influence operations in Moldova

Overview

Investigations have revealed that the Russian Federation provided significant financial aid to religious and political entities in Moldova between 2016 and 2018. Internal documents, including a leak of over 270,000 emails from the Moscow-based House of Compatriots, indicate that at least 8.5 million rubles (over 2.5 million lei) were approved for various beneficiaries.

Specific funding was directed toward projects in Gagauzia and the Transnistria region, often for the purchase of liturgical items such as candles, crosses, golden chalices, church furniture, books, and icons. These funding requests were reportedly supported by Russian diplomats accredited in Chișinău. Notable recipients included Bishop Marchel of Bălți and Fălești, who received 853,000 rubles in 2016 and 1.12 million rubles in 2017. Additionally, former deputy Fiodor Gagauz, through the Edinaia Gagauzia movement, requested funds for religious inventory for the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Copceac.

Reports based on Moldovan intelligence suggest these religious donations were utilized to expand Russian influence and promote a ‘Great Orthodox Russia’ concept. This strategy reportedly aims to undermine Turkish and Western interests in the region by targeting Orthodox churches in Gagauzia and parishes under the canonical jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Entities

RISE Moldova · Fiodor Gagauz · Gagauzia · Vladimir Putin · Russia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia used religious funding to exert influence in Moldova

    Leaked documents reveal that the Russian government used millions of rubles to fund religious institutions and politicians in Moldova to exert political influence.

  2. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Moscow funding for Moldovan religious and political figures revealed

    A RISE Moldova investigation shows Moscow approved at least 8.5 million rubles in aid to Moldovan religious leaders and politicians between 2016 and 2018, targeting Gagauzia and Transnistria.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia accused of using religious funds to expand influence

    Reports indicate Russia is using religious funding to expand influence in Gagauzia, while Armenia announces its withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty.

Sources

ea.md · moldova1.md · news.yam.md · radiomoldova.md · tetovasot.com · ts.mk

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history