Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
In the run-up to Moldova’s crucial September 2025 elections, the country became a frontline in Russia’s information war. Kremlin-aligned narratives flooded TV, social media and messaging apps—aimed at undermining trust in democracy, Europe and the state itself. Yet Moldova did not fall. This panel unpacks how a crucial alignment of Moldovan journalists, independent media and civil society blunted the impact of one of the most aggressive disinformation operations in Eastern Europe—despite limited resources and intense political pressure. Panelists will explain the mechanics of the disinformation campaigns, the role of investigative journalism in exposing coordinated influence and the fight to regain public trust amid propaganda fatigue. Crucially, they will show what actually worked, what failed - and what lessons other democracies can learn ahead of their own elections. Moldova offers a rare case study of defensive success against a state-sponsored information war. As elections worldwide face foreign interference, Moldova’s experience provides a practical playbook for media operating under pressure. Moderated by Daniella Peled. Organised in association with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.
Con: Valeriu Pasa (founder and chairman WatchDog.md), Daniella Peled (managing editor Institute for War and Peace Reporting), Peter Pomerantsev (senior fellow Johns Hopkins University (via video)), Lilia Zaharia Cravcenco (executive director Transparency International–Moldova)
In the run-up to Moldova’s crucial September 2025 elections, the country became a frontline in Russia’s information war. Kremlin-aligned narratives flooded TV, social media and messaging apps—aimed at undermining trust in democracy, Europe and the state itself. Yet Moldova did not fall. This panel unpacks how a crucial alignment of Moldovan journalists, independent media and civil society blunted the impact of one of the most aggressive disinformation operations in Eastern Europe—despite limited resources and intense political pressure. Panelists will explain the mechanics of the disinformation campaigns, the role of investigative journalism in exposing coordinated influence and the fight to regain public trust amid propaganda fatigue. Crucially, they will show what actually worked, what failed - and what lessons other democracies can learn ahead of their own elections. Moldova offers a rare case study of defensive success against a state-sponsored information war. As elections worldwide face foreign interference, Moldova’s experience provides a practical playbook for media operating under pressure. Moderated by Daniella Peled. Organised in association with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.
Con: Valeriu Pasa (founder and chairman WatchDog.md), Daniella Peled (managing editor Institute for War and Peace Reporting), Peter Pomerantsev (senior fellow Johns Hopkins University (via video)), Lilia Zaharia Cravcenco (executive director Transparency International–Moldova)
