Expert: Moscow funds Moldova’s destabilization through terrorist methods
The Republic of Moldova is currently facing a large-scale hybrid offensive orchestrated by the Kremlin. This campaign includes cyberattacks, information manipulation, attempts to corrupt the voting process, and preparations for violent protests. The primary objective is to undermine the will of the citizens in the upcoming September 28 election. Black Sea expert Mihai Isac warns that Russian special services are employing tactics similar to those used by terrorist organizations to finance destabilizing actions in the Eastern European region.
Mihai Isac highlighted a statement released by the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation, which accuses the European Union of having aggressive intentions toward the Republic of Moldova.
"We are in a state of constant siege by foreign state entities. Just a few minutes ago, the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation published a statement on its official website, claiming that the European Union is preparing to occupy the Republic of Moldova and that troops from several states are involved. It is clear that there is an attempt to create a climate of terror—one that actors who do not prioritize the well-being of the Republic of Moldova’s population can exploit," Isac told Moldova 1 TV.
He stated that this rhetoric is part of a strategy of intimidation and information chaos aimed at weakening citizens' trust in Western partners. Isac pointed out that Russia's resources surpass any single state's ability to completely eliminate destabilizing networks.
"Year after year, the state institutions of the Republic of Moldova have gained significantly more experience in combating such threats. However, state institutions can only limit the activity of these networks to a great extent because it is impossible to eradicate them entirely, given the vast amount of money the Russian Federation invests to disrupt the electoral process in Moldova," Isac explained.
The expert explained how the Russian Federation employs sophisticated financial and cyber tools to undermine democratic processes.
"Specialized units are needed to fight cybercrime. We are talking about the use of cryptocurrencies, but we are also talking about cyberattacks, aimed at destroying the infrastructure of the state of the Republic of Moldova", said Isac.
He compared the working methods of Russian intelligence services with those of terrorist organizations, warning that the threat is of a systemic nature.
"The way in which Moscow's intelligence services operate is similar to that used by terrorist organizations. Let's not think that only the Republic of Moldova is the target of such tactics. The methods used to finance various special political operations in the Republic of Moldova are similar to those used to finance terrorist organizations", the expert warns.
Mihai Isac also dismantled one of the main theses of Russian propaganda, according to which the European Union threatens Orthodoxy and religious values.
"This hurricane of fake news, this hurricane of conspiracy theories - such as the European Union wanting to close churches - is a lie. Orthodoxy is doing very well in the European Union. Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus are Orthodox states. We see how the citizens of the Republic of Moldova have hundreds of parishes where they can attend religious services in different states under the auspices of the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate or the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate", the expert explained.
He also pointed out the impact of these tactics on the perception of a part of the population, which becomes vulnerable to manipulation. A major concern expressed by Mihai Isac was related to vote buying, including in the diaspora, with the support of controlled Russian networks.
“We see that these tactics, coupled with the use of huge financial resources to buy votes, can lead to the diversion of the will of the electorate in the Republic of Moldova – including in our important diaspora in the European Union or in other states”, Isac added.
The expert mentioned the existence of signals regarding the involvement of some individuals from the diaspora in illicit activities, which are under the scrutiny of the relevant institutions.
“It is very likely that in the coming days we will witness arrests in these countries as well. Let us understand: the act of selling a vote in the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova is a crime”, he pointed out.
In conclusion, the expert emphasized that the September 28 election is not only a test of democracy, but also a key moment for the European region.
"We see that at this moment the Republic of Moldova is giving a firm response to the re-imperialization of the Russian Federation's foreign policy, and on September 28 the population can give a firm response to this policy of aggression that we have seen, materializing from a direct war in the early 1990s to this attempt to occupy the Republic of Moldova electorally (...) It is clear that September 28 is a significant date not only for the Republic of Moldova, which remains a testing ground for new tactics by Moscow's intelligence services, but it is important for the entire region in Europe", Isac concluded.
