A new study says that there's a sophisticated effort to spread disinformation in regions of strategic value to the Kremlin, particularly Eastern Europe.

Brussels

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

A recent study conducted by the Center for Information, Democracy and Citizenship at the American University in Bulgaria has identified Eastern European countries as the main targets of Russian disinformation efforts. This research analyzed over 640,000 publications on the Pravda disinformation network from December 2024 to March 2025. The findings indicate that former Soviet states and Balkan regions are particularly vulnerable, with these areas accounting for 52% of all analyzed publications.

The study highlights that Moldova, Latvia, and Estonia are the top three countries disproportionately targeted by disinformation, followed by Serbia and Armenia. Other affected countries include Lithuania, Georgia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. The close proximity of these nations suggests a targeted approach in regions of strategic value to Russia.

Moldova's high ranking in exposure to Russian disinformation is attributed to its geographical and political context. Situated between Ukraine and Romania, it serves as a boundary between Eastern and Western Europe. Additionally, Moldova's EU candidacy status and its internal tensions between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions make it a focal point for Russian narratives. Historical, economic, and cultural links to Moscow, as well as the presence of pro-Moscow networks within certain political circles, further contribute to its susceptibility.



EU countries most exposed to Russian disinformation

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Ukraine Invasion