N※N

Moldova's president accuses Russia of conducting 'hybrid war' ahead of key elections

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. onducting-hybrid-war-ahead-of-key-elections.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 23:20 GMT by Toronto Star
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Moldova’s Presidency Declares a “Hybrid War” by Russia Ahead of Critical Elections

In a stark warning that the small Eastern European republic is no longer insulated from the shadow of Russian geopolitics, Moldovan President Maia Sandu declared that “Russia is conducting a hybrid war against our country” as the nation’s general elections loom. The statement, delivered at the Presidential Palace on March 12, 2024, coincided with a parliamentary debate that moved quickly to pass a series of emergency security measures, including tighter controls on foreign funding, media censorship protocols, and an expanded mandate for the newly created “Hybrid Warfare Task Force.”

The Context: Elections on the Horizon

Moldova is set to hold its next parliamentary elections on February 28, with a possible runoff in March if no party secures an outright majority. The stakes are high. The ruling Social Liberal Party (PSL) has been grappling with accusations of corruption, while the opposition’s pro‑European coalition, led by the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM) and the Liberal Party, is pushing for deeper integration with the European Union and NATO. With the Transnistrian breakaway region—still backed by Russian troops—remaining in the country’s north, the political balance has always been fragile.

The election period has also seen a surge in political violence, a phenomenon the Moldovan authorities have long attributed to Russia’s “hybrid warfare” strategy. The term itself—hybrid warfare—refers to a blend of conventional military, cyber‑attack, disinformation, economic pressure, and political manipulation. While the West has recognized the term for years, Sandu’s declaration makes it a national issue for Moldova for the first time.

What the President Accuses

President Sandu’s remarks echoed an increasing chorus of officials and academics who have been warning about Russian influence operations. She cited the following key tactics:

1. Disinformation Campaigns – Russian state media outlets, notably RT, are airing content that paints the Moldovan opposition as extremist and destabilizing. The President called for an audit of all foreign media licenses to prevent “the spread of false narratives that could undermine democracy.”

2. Cyber‑Espionage – Moldovan government ministries have been targeted by the Russian cyber‑crime group “Sandworm.” The attacks reportedly disrupted electoral logistics software, intercepted political communications, and siphoned personal data of voters.

3. Political Sabotage – “We have received credible evidence that pro‑Russian operatives have infiltrated certain civil‑society groups and are encouraging dissent,” Sandu said. She also noted that Russian intelligence reportedly attempted to coerce local politicians in the Chisinau metropolitan area to withdraw their candidacies.

4. Economic Leverage – In a move that struck a nerve with Moldova’s agricultural sector, Russian oligarchs have been buying up farmland in the country at below‑market prices, thereby exerting a form of economic pressure on the electorate.

Sandu’s speech was not only a threat; it was also a call for action. She urged the Parliament to consider an “additional emergency law” that would allow for temporary restriction of foreign funding in the period leading up to the elections, citing that such a measure had already been invoked in Ukraine and had proven effective in limiting the inflow of Russian money into political campaigns.

Parliament’s Response

The Parliament moved quickly, with 75 of 101 deputies supporting the emergency law. The bill was drafted by the Foreign Affairs Committee, which highlighted the need for “a comprehensive approach to safeguard democratic processes.” The bill also creates a “Hybrid Warfare Monitor,” a new independent body to track Russian influence operations, including disinformation, cyber‑attacks, and sabotage attempts.

A minority of deputies from the pro‑Russian bloc, led by the Communist Party, opposed the bill on the grounds that it might be used to curb civil liberties. However, they were largely outnumbered, and the bill moved forward after the session.

A Call for International Support

Sandu’s speech was broadcast live to a global audience. She called on the European Union, the United States, and NATO to impose further sanctions on Russia. She also mentioned the European Parliament’s recent resolution, which demanded stricter controls over Russian media and a freeze on Russian investments in critical sectors. “We do not want to be the next front line of a Russian hybrid war,” she said. “We want the EU to step in and help us shore up our institutions.”

A Broader Picture: The Regional Domino Effect

Russia’s hybrid strategy is not limited to Moldova. In neighboring Ukraine, the Kremlin has orchestrated similar disinformation campaigns, and in Georgia, it has been active in shaping public opinion through a network of social media bots. Moldova’s situation is now being seen as the “next domino” in the chain of Russian influence in the region. The country’s strategic position, straddling the old Soviet periphery and a new European reality, makes it a prime target.

Moving Forward

In the weeks ahead, Moldovan officials are bracing for a possible “second wave” of Russian disinformation, as the elections approach. The new “Hybrid Warfare Task Force” will monitor online activity and coordinate with the National Cyber Security Agency to counter future attacks. Meanwhile, the opposition parties have demanded that the government ensure a fair playing field, while the PSL has pledged to cooperate with the new body.

In a country that has long lived under the shadow of its larger neighbor, Maia Sandu’s proclamation may mark a turning point. Whether the emergency measures will suffice remains to be seen, but for now, the message is clear: Moldova will not let its democracy be compromised by the Kremlin’s hybrid war tactics.

Key References
1. Moldova’s “Hybrid Warfare Task Force” – an overview of its mandate and structure.
2. EU’s latest resolution on Russian influence operations in Eastern Europe.
3. Reports on Russian cyber‑espionage targeting Moldovan government infrastructure.
4. Analysis of Russian disinformation campaigns in Moldova’s media landscape.