In the run‑up to Moldova’s September 28, 2025 parliamentary vote, a sustained and sophisticated campaign of pro‑Russian propaganda is sweeping the country. This coordinated effort seeks to undermine confidence in Moldova’s pro‑European government and raise doubts about its leadership and integrity.
Russia-Backed “Matryoshka” Campaign Targets Voters
The disinformation operation, known as the Matryoshka campaign, is believed to be led by networks based in Moscow as well as other parts of Eastern Europe. Its goal is clear and deliberate: to damage the reputation of Moldova’s pro-European leadership, particularly targeting President Maia Sandu. Moreover, the campaign aims to influence voters ahead of the upcoming election by spreading false information and sowing doubt about the government’s integrity and effectiveness.
This campaign has flooded social media platforms and local news sites with fake stories and edited videos. Some posts falsely claim that President Sandu stole $24 million, while others say she is using illegal drugs.
Vote‑Buying and Illegal Financing Linked to Russia
Moldovan officials have also uncovered vote-buying operations tied to pro-Russian politicians. One major figure, Ilan Shor, is accused of giving out $15 million to around 130,000 voters. To support candidates who oppose Moldova’s path toward the European Union, and to weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean has warned that Russia spent nearly 1% of Moldova’s entire GDP in 2024 to push its political influence. That is a massive investment for a foreign country and shows how important Moldova is to the Kremlin’s regional strategy. Russian-backed groups hope to pull Moldova away from Europe and back into Moscow’s orbit.
Some members even promote the idea of a full political union with Russia in the future. This alliance represents a serious political challenge that could deepen divisions within Moldova and change the country’s direction at a crucial time in its history.
Political Pressure: Formation of a Pro‑Russian Bloc
Moldova has experienced increasing political pressure from a coalition of pro-Russian parties. This alliance, known as the Victory Bloc, unites several political groups that share a common goal: to halt Moldova’s progress toward joining the European Union and, instead, steer the country closer to Russia.
Furthermore, by working together, these parties aim to challenge the current government’s pro-European policies and ultimately reverse the direction of Moldova’s foreign relations. In doing so, they emphasize stronger ties with Moscow over integration with the West, highlighting a growing divide within the country’s political landscape.
Among the main members of this bloc are the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, and other smaller groups often referred to as clone parties.
