# Russian influence operations in Moldova

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-influence-operations-in-moldova
> Updated: 2026-09-26T05:46:18.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

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.

## Claims

- Moscow provided financial aid to support the Orthodox Church in Moldova and projects in Gagauzia and the Transnistria region. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Between 2016 and 2018, Russian officials approved requests from Moldova totaling at least 8.5 million rubles. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bishop Marchel of Bălți and Fălești received 853,000 rubles in 2016 for church objects. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In 2017, Bishop Marchel requested 1.12 million rubles for the purchase of candles. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Former deputy Fiodor Gagauz submitted a subsidy request for 1.2 million rubles through the Edinaia Gagauzia movement in 2015. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-used-religious-funding-to-exert-influence-in-moldova

### 2026-09-21: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moscow-funding-for-moldovan-religious-and-political-figures-revealed

### 2026-08-31: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-accused-of-using-religious-funds-to-expand-influence

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Cite as: Russian influence operations in Moldova. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-influence-operations-in-moldova