Russia Claims EU Plans to “Occupy” Moldova Ahead of Election

As Moldova approaches its parliamentary election on September 28, Russian intelligence has launched a campaign of disinformation claiming the European Union plans a “de facto occupation” of the country, and that NATO is preparing operations in Ukraine’s Odesa region.

Russian Allegations

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), according to The Moscow Times, claimed that NATO is “massing troops in neighboring Romania and in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.”

The SVR further alleged that EU officials are intent on enforcing “Russophobic policies” in Moldova, including deploying troops and occupying the country.

The agency also warned of a “NATO landing” in Odesa intended to “intimidate Transnistria,” though it offered no evidence to support these claims.

Moldovan Authorities Deny Claims

Moldovan officials have repeatedly rejected the allegations. The Defense Ministry stated that rumors of British soldiers on the Transnistrian border or the arrival of 800 NATO troops after the elections are unfounded.

“This is all part of the hybrid war that Russia is waging against the Republic of Moldova,” the ministry said.

Security Measures Ahead of the Vote

Moldova has increased security in the lead-up to the election.

Authorities reported detaining 74 people and conducting about 250 raids connected to an alleged Russia-backed plot to incite unrest.

These operations uncovered $50,000 in cash and traced illicit cryptocurrency flows totaling approximately $540,000.

President Sandu Warns of Kremlin Influence

President Maia Sandu warned that the Kremlin is spending “hundreds of millions of euros” to sway the election, cautioning that citizens are being “intoxicated daily with lies” and urging vigilance against foreign interference.

Broader Russian Efforts

According to documents reviewed by Bloomberg, Russia is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to influence the vote, including:

• Recruiting Moldovan voters abroad
• Organizing protests
• Running coordinated disinformation campaigns in Romanian and Russian via social media and call centers

Earlier reports also indicated Russian efforts to prepare Moldova for military conflict by modernizing infrastructure, influencing the armed forces, and supporting the pro-presidential party.

Hybrid Warfare Concerns

Experts say these disinformation campaigns are part of Russia’s broader strategy of hybrid warfare, aimed at destabilizing countries in its sphere of influence without direct military confrontation.

Moldova’s authorities have called on citizens to remain vigilant and reject false narratives.

This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation