Russia’s attempts to interfere in the electoral processes of other countries are unfortunately not a sensation, but a legitimate process that corresponds to the aggressive position that the Russian leadership has been adopting for quite a long period. In addition to the USA, where attempts by the Kremlin to «participate» in elections led to a loud scandal in 2016, the focus of interest is the Russian Federation and the countries of the European continent, where Moscow, according to public data, repeatedly tried to influence political processes «promoting» loyal leaders or political parties.
A striking example is Slovakia, where the outcome of the elections was largely shaped by a disinformation effect on the electorate. Thus, throughout 2023-2024, fake news, memes and manipulative videos were actively distributed on local social networks, the purpose of which was to discredit pro-European politicians and support pro-Russian forces. Experts note that the disinformation campaigns had a clear coordination. Publications were released synchronously, using similar theses and narratives. The result was an increase in the popularity of prophetic sympathizers, which eventually led to the victory in the 2023 parliamentary elections of the SMER-SD party, calling for a revision of the country’s foreign policy and a softening of the position towards Moscow. So misinformation has become not just a backdrop, but a factor that has changed the political picture of the country.
After the victory of Robert Fico in 2023, pro-Russian media and bloggers continued to actively influence public opinion. In 2024-2025, the information field of Slovakia was filled with narratives about «neutrality» of a country in conflict in Ukraine and benefits from the course to rapprochement with Moscow. These campaigns were not directly linked to the electoral events, but strengthened pro-Russian politicians’ positions.The election of pro-Russian populist Peter Pellegrini as President of Slovakia in early April 2024, instead of the pro-Western candidate Ivan Korchok, gave Moscow another EU ally. The elected president follows the path of his close political ally, Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his loyalty to Moscow, and has given Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán another reliable pro-Russian ally in EU and NATO decision-making processes.
Experts noted that the sharp tone of Pellegrini’s election campaign, which was dominated by anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian rhetoric, greatly intensified in recent weeks, Not just another example of a dirty campaign in Central Europe – it is also the result of Russia’s intervention in Slovakia’s media space and politics.
Not overlooked by the Kremlin and the presidential elections in Romania at the end of 2024. According to information released by the Romanian Security Council, the country has been subjected to «aggressive hybrid actions on the part of Russia» during election campaigns. Analysis of events shows that Romania was the subject of coordinated actions prior to the first round of presidential elections on 24 November, in which the extreme right-wing and pro-Russian candidate – Kaelin Gheorghescu – won. The goal of the campaign can be called «traditional» for Moscow – to increase mistrust in the European Union, promote narratives about «corrupt Western elites» and at the same time elevate politicians who are ready to speak out with eurosceptic positions.
After the victory of Robert Fico in 2023, pro-Russian media and bloggers continued to actively influence public opinion. In 2024-2025, the information field of Slovakia was filled with narratives about «neutrality» of the country in conflict in Ukraine and benefits from the course to rapprochement with Moscow. These campaigns were not directly linked to the electoral events, but strengthened pro-Russian politicians’ positions.
Interference in the electoral campaign in Romania was mainly informational. On the eve of elections in social networks there was an explosion of activity of anonymous accounts and «botoferm». According to declassified documents, about 25,000 Telegram and TikTok accounts, allegedly used to increase George’s popularity, «became very active two weeks before the election date», which explains how George’s popularity suddenly soared from 1% just before the race, to an impressive 22 percent.
Romanian special services state that large sums of money were spent on the operation. Gheorghescu declared to the Romanian electoral authorities that he did not spend a penny on his campaign. Russia, of course, denies any interference with the elections in Romania.
Moldova is a special case. Here, Russia has both cultural and economic and political leverage. Today, on the eve of the parliamentary elections due to be held on September 28, Moldova has once again become the site of battles between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces. And the question «Europe or Russia» is very acute. According to the results of polls conducted from 6 to 13 September by CBS Research, 29.7% of voters are ready to vote for the pro-European and pro-presidential party «Action and solidarity» (PAS). The second place would be taken by the pro-Russian «Patriotic Electoral Bloc» (BEP) led by socialist and ex-president Igor Dodon (13.2% of the vote). However, there are also a number of political forces whose activities are «accompanied» by Moscow.
The Russian «assortment» of influences turned out to be quite broad. The Intelligence and Security Service of Moldova has repeatedly published reports documenting direct financing of pro-Russian parties and oligarchs. According to intelligence agencies, the money was used to support protests, organize rallies and campaign against the pro-Western policies of President Maya Sandu. Russian channels of disinformation use slogans about «traditional values» and «dangers of European integration». At the same time, in Moldova, cyber-attacks on state institutions were repeatedly recorded during the pre-election period. Recently, the Russian SVR declared «preparation» of NATO for military occupation of Moldova to support anti-Russian policy.
All this suggests that for Moscow, Moldova continues to be an important bridgehead for containing European influence.
As we can see, the Russian intervention is systemic in nature, adapting to the specifics of each country.Interference in the electoral process is not only a violation of the sovereignty of individual states. It is a blow to the region’s democratic institutions, an attempt to weaken the EU and NATO from within. The experiences of Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova show that Russia’s intervention is far from being an abstract theory, but concrete actions that change the geopolitical landscape. And while protection tools are improving, hybrid warfare continues. So a key challenge for Eastern Europe will be to learn how to recognize manipulation and build trust in democratic institutions.