James Rupert

In 2024, Russia’s hybrid war on Europe is notably targeting tiny Moldova, which, like Ukraine, is struggling for full independence from centuries of domination by Moscow. Specifically, Vladimir Putin’s government is campaigning to scuttle Moldova’s decision to join the European Union — and one strategy is to sustain opposition by the country’s minority Gagauz community. In just 11 weeks, Moldovans will vote whether to re-elect their pro-Europe president and ratify her government’s European choice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia has escalated its information war against Moldova joining the European Union. Kremlin disinformation heavily uses social media: Facebook, Tik Tok, Telegram and others. In small countries, Russia’s resources for disinformation can far exceed budgets of nations’ professional news media. KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia has escalated its information war against Moldova joining the European Union. Kremlin disinformation heavily uses social media: Facebook, Tik Tok, Telegram and others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia’s Orthodox church is losing influence as a Kremlin ally in Eastern Europe. Moldovan priests are pressing to end their country’s historic subordination to Russia’s church. Dialogue among Moldova’s church factions could show the country a path toward eventual peace. Russia’s escalating campaign to block Moldova from joining the European Union reflects a weakening in Eastern Europe of a longstanding Russian lever of regional influence: its Orthodox church.