Russia's Hybrid War Targets Moldova
In an interview with Radio Moldova, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stated that the Russian Federation is poised to take "extremely aggressive" action to obstruct the pro-Western aspirations of Moldova and North Macedonia.
Geoană asserted that Russia will intensify its hybrid warfare campaign, heavily utilising new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He underlined the urgent need to support the newly established Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation in Chișinău. "We, NATO, the European Union, allied countries, and EU member states, are providing support," Geoană stated. "We anticipate extremely aggressive action from the Russian Federation. Citizens, the press, and authorities must exercise great vigilance."
Geoană emphasised a deep commitment to ensuring the people of Moldova freely and democratically choose their leaders and national direction. "It is totally unacceptable for any third party to interfere with the sovereign will of a country. This applies to Romania, the Republic of Moldova, or any other nation," he declared.
A recent report from the Institute for the Study of War indicates that the Kremlin is employing hybrid tactics against Moldova mirroring those used prior to its invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. This approach could pave the way for a potential future escalation by Russia against Moldova.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has repeatedly affirmed that Russia is already waging a hybrid war against Moldova through propaganda, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks.
In July 2023, responding to this ongoing threat, the Moldovan Parliament approved a bill proposed by President Sandu establishing the Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation. The centre, composed of 20 specialists and led by former Interior Minister Ana Revenco, will strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against disinformation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
