Elections in Moldova can be a lesson for Europe. The Kremlin suffers a spectacular defeat, but does not intend to let go. “This may mean a change in tactics”
After converting over 99 percent votes cast during the Sunday parliamentary elections in Moldova, the ruling pro -European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), which was supported by 50.15 percent. voters. The patriotic election block (BEP) came second, gathering pro -Russian socialists and communists with the support of 24.19 percent.
While the last added votes of Olga Lautman, who also co -hosts the Podcast Kremlin File, suggested in an interview with Kyiv Post that the pro -European block, headed by the Pas, is on the right track to cross the necessary threshold of 51 seats, which will allow the government to create a government without a complicated coalition.
This result is a serious reprimand for the Kremlinwho allocated huge resources to what the Moldovan authorities called “hybrid war”. It was aimed at destabilizing the country and pulling it into the orbit of Russia's influence. After Ukraine, Moldova became the main one Putin's “experimental training ground”. According to experts, the West should now pay attention to a new, emerging threat.
“Lesson for Europe”
The results of Sunday elections were immediately adopted with satisfaction by Western officials, who openly supported the pro -European path of Moldova and expressed deep concern with Russian interference.
In the United States, the Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez, a member of the Commission of the Armed Forces of the House of Representatives, wrote in social media: “On behalf of the United States Congress, we congratulate Mai Sandu, which once again secured the majority in parliament and will conduct further integration of its country with Europe, NATO and Western democracies.”
This victory is perceived in Brussels and Washington as The success of Western efforts to maintain stability on the eastern flank of Europe.
Siegfried Muresan, a Member of the European Parliament, summed up the mood, calling the result “lesson for all of Europe, How to defend against Russian interference. “
New “laboratory” of the Kremlin destabilization
According to Lautman for Moscow, this failure will probably not mean withdrawal, but rather a change in tactics. She claims that Russia has moved the focus of its “hybrid war” to Moldova, making it the main experimental training ground for the new generation of operations aimed at exerting influence.
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“Russia has transformed Moldova into a testing ground,” explains Lautman. – Once, Ukraine was a experimental training ground for all Russian hybrid war operations – from cyber attacks, through taking over political power, creating and financing political parties, to take over the media, everything – he says.
Because the full invasion of Russia limited its operational capabilities in Ukraine, Attention moved to Chisinas.
Lautman describes in detail the alarming set of sophisticated and aggressive tactics, which were observed during the election cycle, warning that these methods will probably be then used for other Western democracy. – I consider Europe to monitor Moldova in terms of new tactics used by Russia – he emphasizes.
In addition to known disinformation operations, buying voices and constant cyber attacks – whose number is described as “unbelievable” – Lautman draws attention to a more insidious operation: Recruitment and training of local fighters.
A few months ago, they started recruiting Moldovans and sent them to camps related to Wagner to train them in the field of violent protests, firing incendiary devices and similar activities
– reveals.
The election was also a terrifying echo of tactics previously used against the United States. – In the elections in the United States, we received bomb threats in polling stations in all states in which the results of the election were uncertain, and in key polling stations, especially in districts that are inclined to the democrats. Today it took place in Moldova. That is, the threat of placing bombs came from anywhere.
Alternative narrative
The huge financial scale of Russian activities emphasizes The strategic meaning of this little country for the Kremlin. According to Lautman estimates, the investment in activities aimed at interfering with the election was colossal.
– I can say that Russia put everything she had in this election. That is, they probably spent up to $ 400 million on it. (PLN 1 billion 461 billion) – indicates.
Despite the victory of supporters of the EU integration, the fight is far from the end. Russian state media prepared an alternative narrative, preparing the ground under long -lasting disinformation campaign.
Hundreds of members and supporters of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) joins Prime Minister Dorin Recean during a pro -European rally on the last day of the election campaign in Kiszynów in Moldova, September 26, 2025.Str / Nurphoto via Getty Images / Getty Images
– If someone checked yesterday evening [prokremlowską agencję informacyjną] Ria Nowosti … may have thought that the opposition won – notes Lautman, indicating that a campaign aimed at discrediting the results of the election is already underway, which can lead to planned protests.
However, the scale of the victory of European supporters makes it difficult to cause serious unrest. – If the difference of votes were small, Russia would have more opportunities … stirring people – says Eskeprtka, indicating that the country is in a state of high readiness, and security measures, including closing of roads, have already been introduced.
Another country in the Kremlin's crosshair
According to Lautman, the most important conclusion for the western capitals is a double message: vigilance and analysis. “Don't treat it as something obvious and analyze tactics,” he insists.
Tactics that Russia had previously used in Ukraine, and then moved to Moldova, treating it as its experimental training ground, will eventually be used in other European countries, the United States and Canada. That's why it's always good to get to know them to know where the ball will go further
– he adds.
According to the expert, after the election in Moldova, there will be a different country susceptible to attacks.
– Of course, the Czech Republic is another country next week [kiedy to w kraju odbędą się wybory parlamentarne] – sums up Lautman and draws attention to the constant, constant threat of Russian interference throughout the continent.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
