Moldova is a priority target for Russian intelligence services aiming to undermine the country's pro-European course and implement the so-called "Georgian scenario," where, under a pro-EU head of state, political forces linked to Russia come to power. To achieve these goals, Russian intelligence services are using a full range of subversive tools in Moldova, particularly in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections, involving parties that claim to support European values.
This was stated by Colonel Alexandru Bălan, former deputy director of Moldova's Security and Information Service (2016-2018) and former head of Moldova's counterintelligence, in an interview with TРК "Avers."
"As you know, we have parliamentary elections in 2025, and what happened this fall (Russia's interference in the elections and referendum – ed.) sent a strong signal to the country's leadership and all security forces that they need to strengthen efforts to support the pro-European course of the country. Russia used all hybrid tools and channels to counter Moldova's European course. The focus of Russia is on the 'Georgian scenario,' and I believe this plan is on their table," said Bălan.
According to the colonel, the first step to countering Russia's plan should be bringing to justice the individuals already identified and documented by Moldova's security services for their involvement in the recent presidential elections and referendum on Moldova's EU membership.
"It is very important to hold accountable all those involved in the illegal financing of pro-Russian parties in Moldova. They have been documented, and legal cases are ongoing. In my view, it is crucial that these cases reach their conclusion so that the people understand that such methods cannot be used to participate in elections and gain mandates," he emphasized.
Bălan also noted that Russian intelligence services use the classic method of operating "under another flag," in this case, the EU flag, which should be a focus for Moldova's security services.
"If the services work and gather information about any political force using the EU flag to enter the pro-European field but is actually funded by Russia and lobbies its interests, this could lead to a decision similar to what Romania did when, based on specific intelligence, it annulled the results of the second round of elections," stated Colonel Bălan.
Bălan believes that in response to Russia's intentions, Moldova's government needs to adopt a comprehensive set of measures, including intensifying dialogue with the authorities in Gagauzia to reduce Russian influence there, and counteracting Russia's economic hybrid interference, such as by checking the company "Lukoil" for involvement in subversive activities.
Additionally, the former deputy head of Moldova's Security and Information Service stressed that, in contrast to Russia's work, a proper and effective direction would be the continuation of Moldova's cooperation with NATO's armed forces and the improvement of anti-Russian sanctions.
