Russia’s hybrid warfare in Europe is not always successful, and the Republic of Moldova is a striking example in this regard, according to an analysis published by journalist Peter Pomerantsev in the Financial Times. Estimates show that although the Kremlin has spent hundreds of millions of euros on cyber attacks, vote buying, and influencing the press, Putin has failed to impose his control over the government in Chisinau, bringing back to power politicians loyal to Moscow.
Pomerantsev notes that law enforcement agencies have dismantled vote-buying schemes, investigative journalism has uncovered troll farms, while pro-democracy NGOs have drawn the attention of the public vulnerable to misinformation.
“If Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, with 2.4 million inhabitants, can defeat Russian hybrid attacks, why can’t the rest of the continent?”, the analysis published in the Financial Times reads.
The story of Russia’s geopolitical victory can be vulnerable both domestically and abroad, Pomerantsev believes. In his opinion, Ukraine and its allies should show Putin that all his wishes will be fulfilled in the peace negotiation process.
The analysis further indicates that, although Putin boasts of strategic victories, most of these claims are just games of propaganda and manipulation, many of them being successfully exposed, including by Ukrainians. For example, Pomerantsev recalls how Moscow announced the takeover of the city of Kupeansk, then Vladimir Zelenski broadcast a filmed message there.
The journalist believes that overshadowing the influence of Russian propaganda is just the beginning, and Kiev, together with its allies, must identify solutions that will enable them to project their own power.