Report: Moldova is Putin's second target after Ukraine
The New York Times reports that Russia is waging a broad, sustained campaign to destabilize Moldova, which Western intelligence sources describe as the Kremlin's second priority after Ukraine. Moldovan officials warn that Moscow's pressure continues even after the country's last election.
The American newspaper The New York Times has highlighted how the small Eastern European country of Moldova occupies a key place in Russia's plans against the West. The outlet cites three sources from Western intelligence agencies who say Moscow's actions against Moldova form part of Vladimir Putin's broader effort to weaken and destabilize the West.
According to these sources, the top priority in the Kremlin's hierarchy remains the war and the conquest of Ukraine, but attempts to bring Moldova under control follow immediately after. Putin reportedly values the country of roughly three million people for its geographic position — wedged between Ukraine and NATO member states — which the Kremlin views as a potential launching point for actions against the alliance.
Election interference
The report recalls that Moldova's most recent election took place under heavy Russian pressure. Moscow allegedly spread disinformation online, carried out cyberattacks, and attempted to bribe both Moldovan clergy and ordinary citizens. There were also reports of groups prepared to incite mass unrest in the country. The goal of these efforts was reportedly to return Kremlin-loyal forces to power and halt Moldova's path toward closer integration with the European Union.
While Russia has also sought to influence elections in other European countries, the newspaper notes that its interference in Moldova appears to have gone further than anywhere else except Ukraine itself. The Kremlin is also said to have not abandoned the idea of establishing a land corridor to the breakaway Transnistria region, where Russian troops remain stationed.
A long-term threat
Moldovan officials warn that pressure from Moscow is not letting up. The head of the country's Cybersecurity Agency, Mihai Lupașcu, acknowledged that while Moldova has won specific battles, the broader struggle against Russian influence continues and has not yet been won.
