The Russian Federation carries out an intense propaganda and disinformation campaign centering on Ukraine in the information space of the Republic of Moldova, using Telegram channels and pro-Kremlin media. The findings were presented by Ihor Karpechenko, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Laboratory for Research and Information Analysis Labria, at a news conference hosted by IPN.
According to Karpechenko, the analysis carried out since the beginning of the year until September 2024 showed that Russian propaganda is aimed at particular target groups in Moldova with the aim of inducing fear of a possible war and convincing the citizens that strengthening Moldova's defense capabilities is a threat. Through these narratives, an attempt is made to manipulate public opinion about the idea of an imminent escalation of the armed conflict in the country.
Russian propaganda promotes messages that present Ukraine as an aggressor and terrorist state, while Russia is presented as a savior. Part of the efforts were concentrated on preventing Ukraine from exporting agricultural products through the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
In addition to traditional propaganda, multiple disinformation campaigns have also been identified. Some of them centered on the existence of dangerous laboratories in Ukraine, others claimed that F-16 fighter jets are on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Another false message accused the President of the Republic of Moldova of transporting dangerous biological materials to the country. Initially, this information was promoted on anonymous channels, then on Telegram channels and in the media controlled by fugitive Ilan Shor.
Ștefan Bejan, a journalist of TV8 channel, said that Moldova is confronted with a hybrid information war in which Russia imposes its propaganda narratives. The investigations covered hundreds of Telegram channels in Moldova, most of which are anonymous and appeared after February 24, 2022. Some of the Telegram channels, which previously criticized Ilan Shor, later began to praise him, suggesting that they were bought by him. The goals of Russian propaganda are to discredit the pro-European authorities, to decrease citizens' trust in them and to support the ascent of pro-Kremlin forces in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Furthermore, the aim is to reduce the population's support for Ukraine.
Expert Mikhail Panaiotov said that after analyzing the activity of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, he found that the diplomatic mission also uses Telegram to spread disinformation about Ukraine. Between January and September, more than 500 publications were identified, of which over 200 contained clear signs of propaganda. Russia's propaganda in Moldova aims to create a reality in which Ukraine and its partners are seen as aggressors, while Russia is seen as a savior.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were targeted in the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
