The Kremlin is preparing for a hybrid war against Moldova - isw

According to analysts, the depletions that develop by Russian officials and guidance bloggers create information conditions for justification of possible Russian intervention. The Kremlin actively conducts information operations against Moldova, reminiscent of tactics used before invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. This is a concern for the possible future Russian escalation against Moldova. This is stated in the report of the American Institute of War Study (ISW) of February 14.

Thus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made false accusations against the United States and the European Union, arguing that they control the Moldova government and impede the negotiation process on the Transnistrian conflict in the 5+2 format. Similar narratives that develop by Russian officials and guidance bloggers create information conditions for justifying a possible Russian intervention.

"The Kremlin also accused the United States of protests that broke out after Yanukovych's exit from the EU Association Agreement in 2013, and stated that the revolution that had happened afterwards and was supported by the United States forced Russia to invade Crimea and start hostilities In the Donbass 2014, to protect those who "opposed the coup" and Russian "compatriots abroad", - the report says.

Analysts warn that the Kremlin also uses the idea of ​​protecting "compatriots abroad" regarding Transnistria to justify The invasion of Moldova, just as it was with Crimea and Donbass. Russian actions in Transnistria, including conducting military exercises, cause fears of possible destabilization of the region. and the use of weapons in the Moldovan Security Area in violation of the protocols of the Joint Control Commission (OCC) of the OSCE.