Moldova Grapples with Extensive Russian Hybrid Threats Ahead of Crucial September Elections

Chisinau, Moldova – Moldova is facing a multi-faceted and intensifying campaign of Russian hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and political interference, as the nation prepares for pivotal parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025. The ongoing efforts aim to destabilize the country and undermine its pro-European trajectory, prompting strong condemnation from Moldovan leadership and unwavering support from European Union allies.

President Maia Sandu has consistently highlighted the scale of the challenge, stating, "Our independence, our sovereignty, our peace are being tested more than ever: interference in our elections, illegal funding from abroad, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, paid protests." She emphasized that Moldovans are aware of these pressures, a sentiment echoed by the tweet from "Teortaxes▶️ (DeepSeek 推特🐋铁粉 2023 – ∞)" which noted, > "Moldovans are not blind to the looming threat. Good."

Recent reports indicate a surge in cyber operations, with a new threat actor named "Curly COMrades" targeting sensitive organizations in Moldova's energy sector and government since late 2024. Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified these attacks as espionage efforts linked to Russian interests, aimed at maintaining long-term access and exfiltrating data. Furthermore, Moldova's Information Technology and Cyber Security Service (STISC) confirmed a large-scale cyber attack on government systems in August 2025, which they believe was orchestrated by a foreign actor to disrupt critical infrastructure.

Beyond cyber warfare, Russia is actively supporting pro-Russian political entities, such as the Victory Bloc, a coalition formed in Moscow by exiled oligarch Ilan Shor. President Sandu accused Russia of planning "unprecedented interference" in the upcoming elections, including bribery of voters and illegal financing, with an estimated €100 million reportedly earmarked for electoral corruption through cryptocurrencies. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed the EU's support, stating, "Not a day passes without massive hybrid attacks from Russia ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in this country."

In response to these threats, Moldova is strengthening its resilience with significant EU backing. In June 2025, Moldova conducted a digital hybrid threats exercise with the European Commission, bringing together EU officials, Moldovan institutions, and tech giants to coordinate responses to disinformation and cyberattacks. The EU has also expanded its digital pact with Moldova to enhance cybersecurity and counter misinformation, signaling a deeper integration of Moldova into European digital defense mechanisms.

European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, visited Chisinau in late August to reaffirm their support for Moldova's sovereignty and European aspirations. President Sandu underscored the importance of this alignment, asserting, "there is no alternative to Europe, and without the European Union, Moldova remains stuck in the past." This unified stance from both Moldovan leadership and international partners highlights the critical nature of the upcoming elections and the ongoing struggle against external interference.