UK intelligence warns Moldova of Russian hybrid attacks

Russia is gearing up for a wave of so-called hybrid attacks on Moldova ahead of presidential elections and a referendum on joining the European Union.

Britain will share intelligence with Moldovan authorities to help them counter the anticipated threat from Russian operatives in the coming months, sources familiar with British intelligence assessments told the publication, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Bloomberg.

On Tuesday in London, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi will meet with Britain's Minister of Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani to discuss Russia's subversive interference.

Kremlin's plans for Moldova

Popșoi said in an interview last week that the Kremlin uses various methods to undermine democracy in Moldova, from deepfakes created by artificial intelligence to bags of cash.

Last month, Moldova's intelligence chief Alexandru Musteață warned that Moscow plans a campaign of "unprecedented intensity". He said his country has information indicating that Russia intends to disrupt this year's presidential elections and the EU referendum.

Speaking at a conference of EU parliament heads, Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said Russia wants to disrupt the future electoral process in Moldova, hence EU representatives need to help Chisinau continue its fight for democracy.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated that Moldova is a target of Russian interference because Moscow wants to thwart the country's integration with the EU.