Russia's Modus Operandi and Malign Operations for the “Hearts and Minds” of Moldovans

According to the EU official, the threats are growing as accession negotiations, the EU accession referendum and local elections approach, making Moldova a testing ground. Specialists from the East Stratcom Task Force, the EU's anti-disinformation unit, explain FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference), defined as a concerted, multi-factor action.

In Moldova, FIMI combines external Russian information sources, websites, Telegram channels and local proxies, including politicians and other aligned actors. The EEAS describes it as intentional, coordinated, manipulative behaviour that threatens or may harm political values, procedures and processes, and it can involve state or non-state actors. The most intense Russian narratives currently target European integration, claiming it automatically means war for Moldova. The article was published under an Expert-Grup project, in partnership with the Eastern Europe Studies Centre and funded by Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.