Moldova Under Disinformation Siege: Kremlin-backed Network Targets President Sandu Ahead of EU Summit
Chișinău, Moldova – On the eve of a crucial EU-Moldova Summit scheduled for July 4, 2025, Moldova finds itself grappling with a surge of disinformation aimed at destabilizing the nation and undermining its pro-European trajectory. A Kremlin-backed network, dubbed “Matryoshka,” has launched a sophisticated campaign targeting President Maia Sandu, employing fabricated videos and spurious narratives to sow discord and erode public trust. This latest offensive underscores the intensifying information war waged by Russia against countries seeking closer ties with the European Union.
The Matryoshka network’s disinformation campaign revolves around a series of meticulously crafted fake videos disseminated across social media platforms. One such video falsely portrays European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas refusing to attend the summit, alleging a fabricated rift with President Sandu. The video is deceptively branded as a report from the investigative journalism outlet The Insider, lending it a veneer of authenticity. This fabricated feud between Sandu and Kallas is a recurring theme in the Matryoshka narrative, with coordinated activity peaking just weeks before the summit.
Further amplifying the disinformation blitz, the network propagates the baseless claim that Sandu is plotting to replace Kallas as the head of the EU’s diplomatic service. This manufactured rivalry serves to create division within the EU and cast doubt on Moldova’s commitment to European integration. Concurrently, the network disseminates fabricated reports disguised as legitimate news from outlets like Euronews and Le Point. These fake reports range from warnings of terrorist threats at the summit to accusations that EU officials are seeking to oust Sandu from power.
The Matryoshka disinformation campaign extends beyond the immediate context of the EU-Moldova Summit. The network actively promotes a broader narrative aimed at discrediting President Sandu and her government. Accusations of corruption, mismanagement of funds allocated for the summit, and even manipulating voter registration are woven into the disinformation tapestry. The campaign’s objective is clear: to undermine public confidence in Moldova’s leadership and democratic institutions, creating an environment of instability conducive to Russian influence.
The Matryoshka network operates through a two-phased approach. Initially, a select group of social media accounts posts fabricated content, ranging from fake news reports to manipulated images. Subsequently, a larger network of “quoters” amplifies this content by replying to posts from prominent figures, media outlets, and fact-checkers, often tagging them to draw attention and create a false impression of legitimacy. This coordinated strategy allows the disinformation to spread rapidly and penetrate mainstream online discourse.
This latest disinformation campaign is not an isolated incident. Matryoshka, launched in September 2023, has a history of disseminating anti-Ukrainian messages, discrediting public figures, and promoting pro-Russian narratives. Its modus operandi involves impersonating trusted Western media outlets and institutions, leveraging their recognizable visual styles to enhance the credibility of the fabricated content. Much of the material originates from Russian-language Telegram channels and is believed to be part of a coordinated effort, potentially involving paid actors. The campaign’s overarching goal is to manipulate online discussions, erode trust in legitimate information sources, and ultimately advance Russia’s geopolitical agenda.
The timing of this intensified disinformation campaign is not coincidental. With Moldova facing upcoming elections, the Kremlin’s information warfare apparatus is actively seeking to influence the political landscape. By undermining trust in democratic processes and fostering a climate of uncertainty, Russia aims to weaken Moldova’s resolve to pursue closer ties with the EU and potentially destabilize the country. This coordinated effort reflects a broader pattern of Russian interference in the domestic affairs of neighboring countries.
Beyond the Moldovan context, the Kremlin’s disinformation machine continues to churn out false narratives on multiple fronts. Recent examples include the baseless claim that Ukraine’s successful drone strikes on Russian airbases were orchestrated by British intelligence, portraying Kyiv as a mere puppet of the West. This disinformation narrative seeks to downplay Ukraine’s military capabilities and deflect responsibility for Russia’s battlefield setbacks.
Furthermore, the Kremlin’s propaganda machine has accused Kyiv and London of plotting provocations to derail potential peace talks between Russia and the United States. This unsubstantiated allegation fits a familiar pattern of blaming external actors for Russia’s own actions, deflecting attention from its role in escalating the conflict. The narrative aims to portray Ukraine and its allies as obstacles to peace, while ignoring ample evidence of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
In another instance, the Kremlin revived its false claim that Ukraine was responsible for a terrorist attack in Moscow in March 2024, citing a closed Russian investigation. This allegation lacks any credible evidence and contradicts claims of responsibility made by the Islamic State’s Afghan affiliate, IS-Khorasan, a claim supported by US intelligence assessments. By falsely portraying Ukraine as a terrorist state, the Kremlin seeks to justify its invasion and further demonize its neighbor.
The Matryoshka network’s disinformation campaign against Moldova, coupled with the Kremlin’s broader disinformation efforts, highlights the persistent threat posed by Russia’s information warfare. As digital platforms become increasingly central to public discourse, the ability to distinguish between credible information and fabricated narratives is paramount. Vigilance, critical thinking, and support for independent journalism are crucial in countering these disinformation campaigns and safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes.