StratCom analysis highlights false "secret drone factory" claim in Moldova as disinformation
The falsehood regarding a "secret drone factory" serves as a classic example of how disinformation is amplified, given the overwhelming speed at which it spread. The sequence of events—from the initial messages to the reaction from the Russian Federation—demonstrates that this information was prepared and coordinated, exhibiting characteristics inconsistent with a spontaneous response, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation (StratCom).
Thirteen Telegram accounts and 21 posts reveal a coordinated effort to amplify a false claim that a "secret drone factory" is being built in the Republic of Moldova.
This information circulated on October 16 and 17, with no evidence. According to representatives of the Strategic Communication Center (StratCom), the narrative was framed as a question—a tactic that allows the authors to evade accountability.
Shortly after the initial messages appeared, 13 Telegram accounts—four belonging to Sputnik Moldova and others associated with it—published 21 posts on the subject.
Three hours later, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Republic of Moldova as a Western, anti-Russian testing ground.
This piece of disinformation emerged against the backdrop of an increase in violations of the country’s airspace by Russian drones—seven such incidents occurred between October 10 and 16.
StratCom concludes that this disinformation aimed to inject false narratives into a topic already under intense public discussion while advancing foreign actors' agenda.
"This case fuels the Russian narrative regarding the 'militarization of the Republic of Moldova' and seeks to blur the lines between a fabrication and the actual incidents involving Russian drones. Dismissing these incidents as 'hysteria' could undermine public trust in official warnings concerning airspace security", state experts from the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation.
An important feature indicating that these messages were prepared and orchestrated in advance is the short interval between the initial shares and their massive amplification, as well as the number of accounts involved and the speed of propagation.
The mayor of Chișinău, Ion Ceban, initially launched the message in response to an anonymous letter sent to various media outlets and Telegram channels.
According to Deschide.MD, the letter was allegedly sent by an individual claiming to be a "Tracom" employee, who asserted that a drone assembly plant was being prepared to open in the industrial park.
The author also attached several images of a building where, according to them, the drones were to be assembled. The letter included no contracts, lease agreements, or permits.
Representatives of SkyFall Industries—the Ukrainian company mentioned in the letter—denied any intention to open a drone assembly plant in Chișinău. They said they have not entered into any such agreements with national authorities to date.
Lilian Carp, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Public Order, maintains that Ceban’s statements are part of a Russian propaganda strategy.
"They want the Republic of Moldova to be a weak country, incapable of defending itself. But neutrality does not mean failing to develop one's defense capabilities. This is a manipulative stance on Ceban’s part", Carp stated.
