Moscow is trying to divide Moldovans on ethnic grounds and suggests they need “Russian protection,” according to a report from the Center for Strategic Communication and Counter-Disinformation in the Republic of Moldova. Manipulation operations of this kind were carried out throughout 2025, with the promotion of LGBT community rights and religious freedom being juxtaposed with the country’s goal of European integration.
According to the report, during the period of March-April, social networks were used for the geographic and socio-economic segmentation of the population, with particular focus on residents of Gagauzia, the left bank of the Dniester, communities with many Russian speakers, and economically vulnerable groups. Facebook pages and Telegram channels excessively popularized topics about the Russian language, religion, Soviet history, LGBT, cost of living, social assistance, and alleged regional discrimination.
At the same time, the use of visual materials and economic statistics without context was emphasized, as well as the use of websites that mimicked official platforms, to promise aid and collect data from vulnerable citizens.
On social media, not only was information disseminated, but reactions were also tested. Towards the end of summer, Russian officials explicitly promoted the idea that Russian speakers, including those from the Republic of Moldova, are part of the “Russian world” and need Moscow’s protection, as members of an extended cultural community.