Moldova

Since its independence, Moldova has sat on the divide between East and West. The Moldovan government has moved fitfully toward an open society and market economy, while Moscow has supported separatists in the region of Transnistria. Pro-Western groups took power in 2010, but widespread corruption led to a domestic crisis and a 2019 election bringing to power both pro-Western and pro-Kremlin parties.

Content

UkraineAlert

Oct 24, 2024

Moldovan and Georgian elections highlight Russia’s regional ambitions

By Katherine Spencer

Russia is playing a key role in elections currently underway in Moldova and Georgia, underlining Moscow's determination to retain its regional influence despite challenges created by the invasion of Ukraine, writes Katherine Spencer.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Oct 21, 2024

Five questions (and expert answers) about Moldova’s elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Moldova narrowly voted to add the goal of EU membership to its constitution, and pro-Western President Maia Sandu advanced to a runoff. Our experts interpret the results and preview what's coming next.

Disinformation Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2024

What to know about Russian malign influence in Moldova’s upcoming election

By Victoria Olari

The October 20 elections are taking place in an environment clouded by what could be the largest case of electoral bribery in Moldova’s history.

Corruption Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Oct 11, 2024

Dispatch from Moldova: With elections approaching, Moscow is taking aim at Chișinău’s pro-European path

By Shelby Magid

Russian influence campaigns are working to sway votes ahead of the October 20 election, which will include a referendum on enshrining EU membership as a goal in Moldova’s constitution.

Elections Moldova

UkraineAlert

Mar 21, 2024

Russian victory in Ukraine would leave Europe at Putin’s mercy

By Mykola Bielieskov

A Russian victory in Ukraine would reinvigorate Putin's war machine and leave much of Europe at the mercy of the Kremlin, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Mar 5, 2024

Putin is on an historic mission and will not stop until he is finally defeated

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin believes he is on an historic mission to reclaim "Russian lands" and will inevitably go further if he is not stopped in Ukraine, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Disinformation

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

In Europe and the South Caucasus, the Kremlin leans on energy blackmail and scare tactics

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

Moscow tried to sow fear among Moldovans, Georgians, and Armenians that what happened to Ukrainians could happen to them.

Disinformation Internet

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

In Ukraine, Russia tries to discredit leaders and amplify internal divisions

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

On the information front, Russia had two goals in year two of its war: convince Ukrainians of their government’s inability to rule the country honestly, and persuade Ukraine’s allies that investing in Ukraine would be wasteful.

Disinformation Internet

UkraineAlert

Oct 3, 2023

Mixed messaging from Moldova on energy sector reforms

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

Recent steps by the Moldovan authorities cast doubt on Chisinau’s commitment to energy market liberalization, escaping Russian energy dominance, and anti-corruption imperatives, writes Suriya Jayanti.

Conflict Corruption
A satellite image shows smoke billowing from a Russian Black Sea Navy HQ after a missile strike, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Sevastopol, Crimea, September 22, 2023. PLANET LABS PBC/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO

New Atlanticist

Sep 28, 2023

Russian War Report: Competing claims about the possible death of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet commander

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Following an attack by Ukrainian forces on the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, rumors swirled about the potential death of Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov.

Conflict Infrastructure Protection
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Experts

Fellow

Michael Carpenter

Distinguished Fellow

Eurasia Center Europe Center

Eastern Europe National Security

Staff

John E. Herbst

Senior Director

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Brian Mefford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Elections

Staff

Victoria Olari

Research Associate, Moldova

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Democratic Transitions Disinformation