Russia not only pursues its interests in the Republic of Moldova, but also openly declares them through manipulation strategies specific to hybrid warfare, Igor Botan believes. The permanent expert of the IPN debates analyzed a document of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) entitled "On the threat of escalation of the situation in Moldova", describing it as a form of propaganda aimed at manipulating public opinion. The opinion was expressed during a public debate on "What do Russian forgeries count on? With what does Chisinau respond?".
"It is interesting that the SVR says that the information was obtained from sources in Brussels and then forwarded to Moscow. This indicates an attempt to lend credibility to questionable claims and to camouflage Russia's responsibility for the crises created in the region", the expert said.
Referring to the credibility of the SVR as an institution, Botan brought up the previous erroneous report of this institution, which claimed that the Russian army will occupy Kiev in three days. "That three-day operation already takes three years. It is clear that the SVR's analysis and predictions are often far from reality. However, we must be aware that these strategies are aimed at creating instability in the Republic of Moldova and undermining public trust in the authorities," he explained.
Igor Botan also highlighted the reasons why the SVR was preferred in this situation instead of the Russian Foreign Ministry (MID). "The credibility of the MID is seriously damaged, especially after the numerous offensive statements against the Republic of Moldova. The SVR is now trying to assume a more prominent role, but its history of manipulation and disinformation also remains a major problem", said Botan.
As for the released document, Botan pointed out that it should be seriously analyzed but not taken as such. "This propaganda forgery is part of an ongoing Russian dossier, which is gathering pretexts for possible future actions against Moldova. We see how artificial crises, such as the Transnistrian energy crisis, are being used to put pressure on the Moldovan authorities and to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections", he warned.
The expert recalled that the responsibility for the energy crisis in Transnistria lies with the Russian Federation, as the occupying state of this territory. "According to international law, Russia bears responsibility for the fate of citizens of the Transnistrian region. It tries to shift the blame onto Chisinau, but international and national documents, such as the Stability Pact proposed in 2004 by President Voronin, clearly show Russia's obligations", Botan explained.
Igor Botan also highlighted the reasons why the SVR was preferred in this situation to the Russian Foreign Ministry (MID)."The credibility of the MID is seriously damaged", he said.
He emphasized that the main aim of Russia's hybrid war waged against the Republic of Moldova is to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and create an atmosphere of insecurity. "Society must understand the danger of these strategies and be vigilant. Artificial crises and propaganda falsehoods must not become tools to destabilize the country", Igor Botan concluded.
The public debate on "What do Russian forgeries count on? How does Chisinau respond?" is organized within the cycle of debates "Development of political culture in public debates". IPN Agency organizes this cycle with the support of the German Foundation "Hanns Seidelˮ.
