Disinformation

Veridica journalists and experts are analyzing and debunking the latest disinformation themes circulated in the public sphere. Disinformation is often embedded in fake news articles and more often than not combines factual, verifiable information with false information. Our team is providing you with the context, the goals and reality behind every piece of disinformation subject to analysis.
DISINFORMATION: Moldova is part of the Russian world, and Moscow shielded it from war

DISINFORMATION: Moldova is part of the Russian world, and Moscow shielded it from war

The Republic of Moldova is part of the Russian world and shares a history with Russia spanning hundreds of years. Today, Russia is Moldova’s top strategic partner, and the country that has ensured its security for the last 30 years, helping it prevent a war. Ria Novosti has picked up on the narratives from a message sent by former president, Igor Dodon, with the aim of highlighting his personal relation with the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, ahead of the early parliamentary election scheduled to take place on July 11, 2021 in the Republic of Moldova.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
15 Jun 2021
DISINFORMATION: Romania controls the Republic of Moldova and is about to annex it

DISINFORMATION: Romania controls the Republic of Moldova and is about to annex it

Romania is one step away from annexing the Republic of Moldova: it controls its foreign trade, it grants Romanian citizenship to Moldovans, and Maia Sandu is ready to reenact the unification, with Parliament’s help. This latest narrative surfaced in Russia and has been picked up by Moldovan media as well. The author of the disinformation claims Moscow should intervene to prevent the Republic of Moldova from being “swallowed”.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
14 Jun 2021
DISINFORMATION: A victory for the right wing in the election would spark mass protests in Moldova

DISINFORMATION: A victory for the right wing in the election would spark mass protests in Moldova

A potential victory of right-wing parties in the parliamentary election will spell economic and social disaster for the Republic of Moldova, leading to protests, Socialist leader, Igor Dodon, has said. The narrative has been disseminated and amplified by Ria Novosti press agency.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
04 Jun 2021
DISINFORMATION: “If Moldova joins the group of countries that introduced sanctions against the Republic of Belarus, each of its citizens will suffer the consequences”.

DISINFORMATION: “If Moldova joins the group of countries that introduced sanctions against the Republic of Belarus, each of its citizens will suffer the consequences”.

Socialist MP Petru Burduja, a close associate of party leader, Igor Dodon, claims that a potential alignment of the Republic of Moldova to the regime of sanctions imposed against Belarus would seriously impact the economy and the country’s population, due to the close economic ties between the two states. Statistics show, however, that trade with Belarus accounts for approximately 2% of the total volume of Moldova’s external trade.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
31 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: The United States is stirring religious unrest in Ukraine to serve its geopolitical interests

DISINFORMATION: The United States is stirring religious unrest in Ukraine to serve its geopolitical interests

The Russian MFA and media have accused Washington of creating inter-confessional strife all over the world, including Ukraine. They have criticized the reports of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and the US State Department regarding freedom of conscience and the rights of the faithful.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
25 May 2021
DISINFORMATON: The West continues to interfere with the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova

DISINFORMATON: The West continues to interfere with the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova

The West has amped up its interference in the Republic of Moldova’s internal affairs, the spokesperson of the Russian MFA, Maria Zakharova, has told a press briefing. Similar accusations were also made during the campaign for the presidential election last year in autumn, despite the fact that Russian president Vladimir Putin wished Igor Dodon good luck and promised assistance for the Republic of Moldova with the campaign in full swing.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
24 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: Maia Sandu is a neofascist supported by unionists

DISINFORMATION: Maia Sandu is a neofascist supported by unionists

Maia Sandu is supported by far-right unionists in Romania and is a sympathizer of Marshal Ion Antonescu. The narrative that tries to associate the President of the Republic of Moldova with a war criminal and fascism is promoted in the context of the election campaign underway in Chisinau and Sandu, who is considered the driving engine of PAS, is seen as the main threat by pro-Russian parties.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
17 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova will fall under external control if right-wing parties grab power

DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova will fall under external control if right-wing parties grab power

The organization of an early election in the Republic of Moldova has reactivated a number of false narratives, also used in the previous election campaign, about Maia Sandu and right-wing parties, especially the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). The pro-Russian Socialists try to persuade voters that a win for the right-wing parties would spell economic and social disaster. Furthermore, it would put Moldova under Western control.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
10 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: The killing of the bear Arthur proves Romania is a Western colony

DISINFORMATION: The killing of the bear Arthur proves Romania is a Western colony

The hunt of a trophy-bear by a Prince of Lichtenstein is used as an opportunity to breathe new life into narratives depicting Romania as a Western colony. This disinformation seeks to capitalize on the wave of public outrage sparked by this story, which has already prompted a criminal investigation into poaching and illegal use of firearms.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
08 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: Ukraine “privatizes” Russian language and does not allow the development of “Galician language”.

DISINFORMATION: Ukraine “privatizes” Russian language and does not allow the development of “Galician language”.

The "Galician language", spoken in western Ukraine, is different from Ukrainian, but the authorities resort to intimidation and blackmail to prevent specialists from revealing the existence of this language. The narrative appears in the Russian state media in the context of a string of analyzes on Russophobia in Ukraine and Kiev's attempts to "privatize the Russian language."

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
05 May 2021
DISINFORMATION: Ukrainians are Russian, and Moscow has the right to intervene in the “civil war” in Donbass.

DISINFORMATION: Ukrainians are Russian, and Moscow has the right to intervene in the “civil war” in Donbass.

In the context of the escalating conflict in Donbass and the concentration of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine and Crimea, Russia's central media have resumed some narratives about the unity of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples, about Greater Russia and Moscow's historical right to engage in the “civil war” in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
27 Apr 2021
FAKE NEWS: Americans are using Islamic terrorism against Russia

FAKE NEWS: Americans are using Islamic terrorism against Russia

The United States has been allegedly advocating the Islamic terrorism phenomenon ever since the 80s, and is now planning to conjure its ghost, according to a fake narrative publicized by Evenimentul Zilei. The publication mainly revisits older conspiracy theories, mixing them with speculation over what they claim to be the hidden meaning of certain recent events.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
15 Apr 2021
Disinformation: the IMF might make the granting of loans conditional upon compulsory vaccination of the population

Disinformation: the IMF might make the granting of loans conditional upon compulsory vaccination of the population

The IMF might make the granting of loans conditional upon the full (mandatory) vaccination of the population, the Russian economist Valentin Katasonov suggests, an opinion that has been brought to the fore by several Russian media outlets and taken over in Chisinau. The official communique of the IMF - World Bank meeting does not confirm these assumptions; on the contrary, it reads that vulnerable states must continue to get support.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
12 Apr 2021
DISINFORMATION: Romania risks going to war with Russia because of Ukraine

DISINFORMATION: Romania risks going to war with Russia because of Ukraine

Romania risks going to war with Russia because of a technical-military cooperation agreement it has concluded with Ukraine, according to an article taken over by several Romanian publications. This disinformation appears against the background of the narratives recently promoted by Russia regarding an imminent resumption of the conflict in Donbass.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
08 Apr 2021
DISINFORMATION: Romania was an occupation force in Moldova

DISINFORMATION: Romania was an occupation force in Moldova

Romania is an aggressor and expansionist state, which in 1918 occupied the current territory of the Republic of Moldova – this is the narrative presented at an open-air exhibition in central Chișinău. It is also inscribed in the broader category of Soviet narratives referring to the Moldovan language and people.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
02 Apr 2021
DISINFORMATION: Maia Sandu is responsible for the price rise caused by drought

DISINFORMATION: Maia Sandu is responsible for the price rise caused by drought

A news story about the rise in oil prices, taken over by the PSRM affiliated press, is falsely associated with the coming into office of the new President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu. This is part of a string of narratives about price hikes, pandemic restrictions and Maia Sandu blocking the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, aimed at undermining her image, but also at destabilizing the situation in the Republic of Moldova.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
26 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: Romania wants to punish Moscow for “the criminal Sergey Magnitsky” and to adopt an anti-Russia law

DISINFORMATION: Romania wants to punish Moscow for “the criminal Sergey Magnitsky” and to adopt an anti-Russia law

The Romanian Parliament is preparing, out of obedience to the United States, an anti-Russian law designed for a corrupt lawyer. This false narrative appears in a post on the Facebook page of the Russian embassy in Bucharest, criticizing the so-called Magnitsky law, which is in the Chamber of Deputies now after it was endorsed by the Senate. The law provides, in fact, for the imposition of sanctions on foreign nationals who are guilty of serious human rights violations.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
25 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: masks and lockdown are useless, Covid-19 exposure ensures herd immunity

DISINFORMATION: masks and lockdown are useless, Covid-19 exposure ensures herd immunity

The controversial Flavia Groșan, the doctor who claims to have discovered an extremely effective anti-Covid treatment scheme, has stated that the measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are ineffective and also cited an alleged British example of herd immunity. The statements have been widely taken over and underlined by publications that are skeptical about the vaccine.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
23 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: Igor Dodon was one step away from settling the Transnistrian conflict

DISINFORMATION: Igor Dodon was one step away from settling the Transnistrian conflict

The former president, Igor Dodon, was one step away from settling the conflict in Transnistria and this is demonstrated by the fact that the people in the region were able to vote in the presidential elections in the Republic of Moldova. This is disinformation, given that the people on the left bank of the Dniester have always had the opportunity to vote, and the negotiations on the Transnistrian issue did not made any significant progress during Dodon's term.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
22 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova needs an authoritarian leader

DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova needs an authoritarian leader

Controversial political figure Iurie Roșca is suggesting an authoritarian leader would be best-suited for the Republic of Moldova. The narrative is promoted by the Kremlin’s mouthpiece, Sputnik, and is used to anchor Moldova in eastern space, where authoritarian regimes are commonplace.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
15 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: The EU directly interferes in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova

DISINFORMATION: The EU directly interferes in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova

The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticised statements made by the head of the EU Delegation to Chișinău on political negotiations and the inefficiency of some institutions. It is not for the first time that Moscow, which openly backed Igor Dodon in the 2020 election race, accuses the West for allegedly meddling in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
01 Mar 2021
DISINFORMATION: Moldovans are still Soviets

DISINFORMATION: Moldovans are still Soviets

30 years since the collapse of the Soviet empire and the declaration of the Republic of Moldova’s independence, many Moldovan citizens still keep celebrating the Soviet Army Day on February 23. The narrative, just like “May 9 – Victory Day” recalls the USSR’s glory of yore in order to keep Moldova anchored into the Soviet past. In reality, the Soviet Army’s attitude was that of an occupation, repressive regime.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
26 Feb 2021
DISINFORMATION: the EU Association Agreement, a catastrophe for Ukraine

DISINFORMATION: the EU Association Agreement, a catastrophe for Ukraine

The EU and Ukraine reconfirmed their readiness to continue cooperation under the Association Agreement, which was an opportunity for a new disinformation campaign launched by the Russian press against Ukraine and the EU. "A catastrophe that’s been lasting for five years now, in every sphere of life", "a wrong foreign policy choice made by Ukraine" – are some of the reactions in the Russian press. Elements of typical narratives are present, such as: "fake state", "coup d'etat", "Russophobia", "poverty", etc.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
23 Feb 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova will descend into financial collapse

DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova will descend into financial collapse

The media in the Republic of Moldova and Russia have published an apocalyptic economic growth forecast made public by Mariana Durleșteanu, a former economy Minister nominated for the office of Prime Minister by the Party of Socialists in the Republic of Moldova (PSRM). Durleșteanu presents no data to support her claims, which have been disputed so far by economic analysts and the estimates of both the Government and international organizations.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
22 Feb 2021
DISINFORMATION: Sanctions have strengthened Russia’s economy and the EU supports Russophobia in Ukraine and the Baltics

DISINFORMATION: Sanctions have strengthened Russia’s economy and the EU supports Russophobia in Ukraine and the Baltics

Sergei Lavrov claims that European and American sanctions had no ground or effect, and the deterioration of the Brussels-Moscow relations occurred as a result of the EU's direct support for the coup in Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine, the EU and the US have criticized Russia for its proven support for the Donbass mercenaries and denounced the illegal, internationally unrecognized and unprecedented in post-War Europe annexation of Crimea.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
16 Feb 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova is the successor of Stephen the Great’s Moldavia

DISINFORMATION: The Republic of Moldova is the successor of Stephen the Great’s Moldavia

The initiative to establish the Moldovan Statehood Day dates back to 2017, when Igor Dodon was President of the Republic of Moldova, and derives from the Moldovan-statist ideology, according to which there is a Moldovan people different from the Romanian one and also that the Republic of Moldova is the successor of Stephen the Great’s Moldavia.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
12 Feb 2021
Disinformation – The Red Army was a liberating force

Disinformation – The Red Army was a liberating force

The renaming of the Tolbuhin park in Bucharest is used as a pretext for reinterpreting history

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
03 Feb 2021
Ceaușescu was a great leader of sovereign Romania

Ceaușescu was a great leader of sovereign Romania

Sputnik has now joined the current trying to rehabilitate Nicolae Ceaușescu and advance the idea that he was a great leader and patriot, and Romania thrived under Ceaușescu. Some of the concepts are similar to those of proto-chronism, national-communism and sovereigntist lines of thought.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
01 Feb 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Russian minority in Moldova, under fire from the Constitutional Court and President Maia Sandu

DISINFORMATION: The Russian minority in Moldova, under fire from the Constitutional Court and President Maia Sandu

Socialists and supporting media in the Republic of Moldova have snapped after a Moldovan Constitutional Court ruling threw out a law granting special status to the Russian language. They’re describing the ruling as an attack on the Russian minority, the idea circulated being that the country’s newly elected president, Maia Sandu, is held responsible for this attack, thus going back on the promises made in the election campaign.

Cornel Ciobanu
Cornel Ciobanu
25 Jan 2021
DISINFORMATION: The Soviet era was beneficial for the Republic of Moldova .md

DISINFORMATION: The Soviet era was beneficial for the Republic of Moldova .md

Some media in Chisinau describes an idealized Communist period, disregarding the facts.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
22 Jan 2021
DISINFORMATION: Lockdowns are ineffective

DISINFORMATION: Lockdowns are ineffective

A new study is being used in support of an old narrative: that lockdowns are ineffective. However, both the arguments and the authors of the study are controversial.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
18 Jan 2021
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