russia spreads disinformation against Ukraine in Moldova’s information space almost daily –  expert

russia uses online media and Telegram channels in Moldova to spread narratives aimed at discrediting Ukraine. Most of the messages spread by russia in Moldova’s information space between January and September 2024 were designed to tarnish Ukraine, its leadership and the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the eyes of Moldovans.

This was stated by Ihor Karpechenko, Chairman of the NGO “Laboratory of Research and Information Analysis”, during a presentation at the Media Center Ukraine.

“Throughout 2024, the majority of messages promoted through media, especially online platforms and social networks, were focused on specific tasks that they (russians – ed.) were solving. One of the main objectives is to discredit Ukraine in the eyes of Moldovans, targeting the Ukrainian leadership and, in particular, the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Common clichés such as ‘fascists’ and ‘Nazis’ are constantly being spread,” he noted.

According to the expert, the flow of disinformation and propaganda from russia takes place almost daily through online media and Telegram channels in Moldova.

“If we analyze the number of publications in online media, about 15% are exclusively about Ukraine, half of which focus on military issues and personnel. As for Telegram channels, especially anonymous ones, more than half of the content is related to Ukraine almost every day, although the target audience is Moldova,” Karpechenko added.

According to him, among a number of messages and narratives, russian propaganda actively exploits Moldovans’ fears of war.

“russian media, russian speakers and various anonymous channels emphasize that if Moldova supports Ukraine, war is inevitable. If Ukraine attacks russian territory, it will lead to a large-scale war and the people of Moldova will suffer. They also often speculate on narratives about Transnistria,” he explained.

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