Russia: Latest news, analysis, video interviews, video reports

Russia is the main power and, for many years, the main source of insecurity in the region monitored by Veridica journalists. News about Russia provides information about developments in real time and prominent leaders of Russia – from major decisions taken by president Vladimir Putin, to statements and actions of the main representatives of his regime, from Alexei Navalny’s case to the Wagner Group rebellion. Veridica is also monitoring Russia’s foreign policy, its relations with the collective West and with individual countries, as well as with client, allied or partner states across various fields of cooperation, such as China, Belarus, Iran or Turkey. Russia’s external operations, including the campaigns carried out by proxy organizations such as the Wagner Group, which is involved in theatres of operations Syria and several African countries, as well as the Kremlin’s energy policies, are equally followed by Veridica journalists. News about Russia also weighs in on narratives promoted by Russia, addressing both the public at home as well as external audiences, presented as part of fake news, disinformation or propaganda articles. Veridica’s newsroom staff, regional collaborators and Romanian experts are monitoring the impact of Russian policies and disinformation campaigns both in the region and beyond, in the main Western capitals. News about Russia provides a wide array of press articles, news, editorials, analyses, interviews and inquiries.

Vladimir Soloviov: The annexation of new territories by Russia is inevitable
Vladimir Soloviov: The annexation of new territories by Russia is inevitable

Vladimir Soloviov is a Russian journalist based in the Republic of Moldova. He writes for Kommersant. Veridica spoke with Mr. Soloviov in Chisinau about the political developments in the Republic of Moldova, Russia’s imperial claims and the war in Ukraine, but also about the almost non-existent relationship between Russia and Romania.

Marian Voicu
02 Jul 2022
DISINFORMATION: The EU grants the status of candidate to Russophobic countries that have nothing to gain from that
DISINFORMATION: The EU grants the status of candidate to Russophobic countries that have nothing to gain from that

According to narratives launched by pro-Russian politicians in Chisinau and officials in Moscow, the European Union offers the status of accession candidate using Russophobia as a criterion and, together with NATO, is building a war coalition against Russia. Such narratives have appeared in the context in which the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine received the status of candidate countries for EU accession.

Ukraine takes the white pieces, Russia takes the black ones. The war has started on the chess table
Ukraine takes the white pieces, Russia takes the black ones. The war has started on the chess table

The chess rivalry between Russia and Ukraine existed before the invasion of February 2022. It also existed before the first invasion of Russia in February 2014. It existed, one might say, before the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991. But it has never been harsher than this year. The world of chess has once again become, as it was during the Cold War, a battleground for image, influence and power.

The Republic of Moldova – between the need to modernize the army and Russia’s propaganda regarding its neutrality
The Republic of Moldova – between the need to modernize the army and Russia’s propaganda regarding its neutrality

The war in Ukraine has brought to the fore the poor state of the Moldovan army, which remains underequipped after being neglected by the authorities in the last three decades. Yet the commonplace view in Chișinău right now is that the army should at least fend off an aggression coming from Transnistria. Russia and its mouthpieces, on the other hand, continue to absurdly claim that Moldova modernizing its army would be tantamount to breaching its neutrality.

Vladimir Socor: Russia planned its expansion as early as the 90s
Vladimir Socor: Russia planned its expansion as early as the 90s

For Europe to evade the Russian threat, Russia needs to slip into a period of instability once Putin is gone, says Vladimir Socor. In an interview to Veridica, Vladimir Socor says the early signs of post-Soviet expansionism became transparent in the 1990s, also referring to Ukraine’s chances in the current war.

DISINFORMATION: Moldova is pushed towards a war with Russia and a unification with Romania
DISINFORMATION: Moldova is pushed towards a war with Russia and a unification with Romania

Moldova is undergoing an economic crisis, and the Government and the West is providing it with weapons for the war in Ukraine, while at the same time preparing the unification with Romania. The narratives were launched by former president, Igor Dodon, and were amplified by the pro-Socialist and Russian media.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă: If there’s anyone who doesn’t observe the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, then it is Moscow, not Chișinău
The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă: If there’s anyone who doesn’t observe the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, then it is Moscow, not Chișinău

The Transnistrian is not an obstacle to the EU integration of Chișinău, says the ambassador the Republic of Moldova in Romania, Victor Chirilă. In an interview to Veridica, the Moldovan diplomat said that, should Ukraine win the war against Russia, Tiraspol leaders will become “more flexible”. Victor Chirilă analyzed the security risks for Chișinău, as well as the main projects carried out by the Republic of Moldova jointly with Romania.

Marin Gherman
10 Jun 2022
Polish defense strategy: big brother will protect us
Polish defense strategy: big brother will protect us

Poland is one of the NATO countries with the coldest relations with Russia. Concerned about Moscow's aggressive stance in the region, Warsaw called for a stronger NATO presence on the eastern flank and launched an ambitious program to equip its armed forces. But is Poland able to withstand enough attacks in the event of an attack?

Russia and its people in Chisinau obsessively speak of Moldova’s neutrality, but they have been violating it for 30 years
Russia and its people in Chisinau obsessively speak of Moldova’s neutrality, but they have been violating it for 30 years

The Republic of Moldova’s neutrality is one of the favorite topics of Russian and pro-Russian propaganda. It is discussed when it comes to adopting measures that do not suit Moscow, but the reality of the presence of Russian forces in Moldova, which means a violation of its neutrality, is constantly ignored. Other narratives are switched depending on the needs; neutrality, however, has been a constant one.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians captive in the Kharkiv oblast
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians captive in the Kharkiv oblast

Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians hostage in various locations across the Kharkiv oblast, the Russian state media writes. In fact, the locations in question have long been occupied by Russia, and the local council claims the Russian soldiers are committing war crimes.

Marin Gherman
26 May 2022
Serbia is being targeted by a massive bomb threat campaign. Is it the work of the West, Russia or Belgrade’s own intelligence services?
Serbia is being targeted by a massive bomb threat campaign. Is it the work of the West, Russia or Belgrade’s own intelligence services?

For more than a month, Serbia has been the target of mass bomb threats. Pro-government tabloids and some high-ranking officials claim that the campaign has behind it the West and is connected to Belgrade’s reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia, while offering no proof for the allegations. However, Russia, or Serbia’s own intelligence services may as well be interested to launch such a campaign.

Vuk Velebit
25 May 2022
The army of the Republic of Moldova is underprepared to repel a Russian attack. How did it come to this and what needs to be done?
The army of the Republic of Moldova is underprepared to repel a Russian attack. How did it come to this and what needs to be done?

The war in Ukraine has sparked a great of deal of concern in the Republic of Moldova, where the people have seen just how vulnerable the country is in case of a Russian attack. Neglected for years due to underfunding, incompetence or for the sake of “neutrality”, the army seems underprepared to efficiently defend the country. The West is trying to lend a helping hand and has promised to deliver military equipment.

DISINFORMATION: The West is fighting Russia using Ukraine as proxy
DISINFORMATION: The West is fighting Russia using Ukraine as proxy

Western countries are waging a war by proxy in Ukraine against Russia, and seek to destroy this country, although the armed conflict is affecting the West more than it does Russia.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia

Nearly three million Ukrainians want to reach Russia, which is already home to over a million war refugees, according to a false narrative launched the Russian MFA and Kremlin-affiliated media. In fact, Russia launched a genuine campaign to forcefully displace Ukrainians from the territories it currently controls. Besides, nine in ten Ukrainians see Russia as their enemy.

Marin Gherman
20 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country

Kyiv has allowed 10,000 troops from Poland and Lithuania to enter its territory. The forces are expected to “occupy” and “plunder” Ukraine, the Russian media writes in a new false narrative about the occupation of Western Ukraine by Russia. The fake news is part of broader metanarratives concerning the West’s involvement in the war and the artificial character of the Ukrainian state, which makes it unstable.

Marin Gherman
13 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: Russia will be forced to resort to nuclear weapons
DISINFORMATION: Russia will be forced to resort to nuclear weapons

Putin has announced the start of World War III and will use nuclear weapons because, due to the West’s involvement, its forces cannot win the war. The narrative is promoted by Sorin Roșca Stănescu, who was given a criminal sentence and who is known for his opinions that very much resemble Russian propaganda. The Kremlin has long promoted the possible start of nuclear warfare, in order to determine the West to withdraw its support for Ukraine.

How May 9 turned from a celebration of the might of Russia and the USSR into a day of solidarity with Ukraine
How May 9 turned from a celebration of the might of Russia and the USSR into a day of solidarity with Ukraine

Outside Russia, Moscow’s representatives and supporters tried to mark Victory Day in ex-Soviet and ex-communist countries, but in most cases, their actions were overshadowed by protest actions against Russia’s acts of aggression or demonstrations of solidarity with Ukraine. Veridica’s contributors in ex-Soviet and ex-communist states have closely followed May 9 celebrations.

WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory

The leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church have been sentenced to death on the territory of Ukraine. Spread by the Russian media, this propaganda narrative misquotes a decision issued by the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

Marin Gherman
11 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The president of Poland admitted Warsaw will capture Ukrainian territories
WAR PROPAGANDA: The president of Poland admitted Warsaw will capture Ukrainian territories

The Russian media has reverted to the narrative regarding Poland’s intention to occupy part of Ukraine, this time focusing on the statements of president Andrzej Duda, which it took out of context and interpreted in a different key.

Marin Gherman
10 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: UKRAINIANS ARE SATANISTS
WAR PROPAGANDA: UKRAINIANS ARE SATANISTS

Ukrainian soldiers practice satanic rituals invoking dark forces to help them in battle, according to the Russian news agency Ria Novosti. The story aims to demonize the opponent, the Ukrainian army.

Victory Day and the Soviet Empire: what May 9 may still mean in the former USSR and ex-communist states
Victory Day and the Soviet Empire: what May 9 may still mean in the former USSR and ex-communist states

May 9 will be different than usual: celebrating it could be seen as a celebration of Russia’s aggression. While waiting for the events in Moscow and elsewhere to unfold, Veridica has set out to find out what May 9 may still mean in the former USSR and ex-communist countries, as reported by its correspondents in those countries.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion

Having joined Ukrainian fighters with the “Azov” battalion, Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia. The false narrative was launched by the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Affairs herself, being picked up by a number of Russian state media agencies.

Marin Gherman
06 May 2022
How Russians feel about the “special operation” in Ukraine and how long before Putin’s approval rating subsides
How Russians feel about the “special operation” in Ukraine and how long before Putin’s approval rating subsides

A survey carried out by an independent center a month since the start of the war in Ukraine shows massive support from the Russian population for the so-called “special operation”, as well as for the Putin administration. The support might diminish as the people start feeling the effects of the conflict and of international sanctions.

Transnistria, Găgăuzia, Bălți. Challenges in the Republic of Moldova ahead of Victory Day.
Transnistria, Găgăuzia, Bălți. Challenges in the Republic of Moldova ahead of Victory Day.

As May 9 draws closer, the day when Russia and other ex-Soviet countries celebrate the victory against Nazi Germany, the number of incidents impacting Moldova’s weak spots increases. In Găgăuzia or Bălți, there are voices calling for breaching the law banning the symbols associated with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Several unclaimed “attacks” have taken place in Transnistria.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory

Crimean Tatars support Russia’s war against Ukraine, which the Kremlin has dubbed “a special military operation”, reads a false narrative disseminated by Russian state media. In fact, Tatars have opposed Russian aggression ever since 2014, when Moscow occupied and captured Crimea.

Marin Gherman
03 May 2022
FAKE NEWS: Romania is amassing its military forces on the borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: Romania is amassing its military forces on the borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

A convoy of Romanian military technology was caught on camera while moving towards with borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the Russian media writes, referring to a video captured by an amateur with his mobile phone. The footage, used as part of other disinformation narratives as well, serves as an excuse to reiterate the fake news about Romania’s plans to occupy the Republic of Moldova and to attack the Transnistrian separatist region.

Veridica
02 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre

The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies and destroyed military technology to the town of Lysychansk to stage a new massacre, representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense claim. This is the latest false narrative whereby Moscow is trying to blame Ukraine for the war crimes committed by Russian troops.

Marin Gherman
01 May 2022
In search of alternatives to Russian petrol, the West might resort to “smaller Russias”
In search of alternatives to Russian petrol, the West might resort to “smaller Russias”

Europe’s reliance on large energy imports from Russia prevents the adoption of sanctions meant to deprive Moscow of sizable revenues, which it can use to feed its war machine. The West is looking for replacements, but unfortunately these are more often than not “smaller Russias” – authoritarian regimes that also stand accused of violating human rights.

FAKE NEWS: The attacks in Transnistria were staged by the West to bring Moldova into NATO and capture Soviet-era ammunition
FAKE NEWS: The attacks in Transnistria were staged by the West to bring Moldova into NATO and capture Soviet-era ammunition

Western states and Ukraine have staged terrorist acts in Transnistria in order to push Moldova into NATO and capture the ammunition stored in the region from the days of the Soviet Union, the Russian media writes. These false narratives are used alongside an older metanarrative about the West’s responsibility for the war in Ukraine.

Bulgaria: Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, the driving force behind the country’s slow motion divorce from Russia
Bulgaria: Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, the driving force behind the country’s slow motion divorce from Russia

PM Kiril Petkov faces numerous challenges in his desire to send military aid to Ukraine including severing his relationship with the man who introduced him into politics, President Radev. On top of that, Russia cut Bulgaria’s gas supply, adding to the challenges faced by the government.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA
WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA

Poland will capture its “historical provinces” in Ukraine, taking advantage of Ukraine’s position of weakness, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence, Sergey Naryshkin says. Amplified by the Russian media, the narrative lacks any substance and is disproved by the actions and declarations of Poland in support of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.

Marin Gherman
29 Apr 2022
The attacks in Transnistria and the risk of a Russian intervention in the Republic of Moldova. Could Romania be dragged into the conflict?
The attacks in Transnistria and the risk of a Russian intervention in the Republic of Moldova. Could Romania be dragged into the conflict?

A Russian general recently referred to Transnistria as one of the objectives of the second phase of the war in Ukraine. Will Russia stop in Transnistria, or will it actually reach Chișinău, which is literally a stone’s throw away? And what should Romania do if that happens? 1940 is the year on everyone’s lips these days…

Veridica
28 Apr 2022