Moldova: A Case Study in Energy and Information Warfare

This paper presents a case study of energy resources being used as a coercive power to achieve geopolitical aims in other countries. It also outlines how information warfare can be leveraged as a tool, in combination with energy supply, to achieve this influence. This case study is a critical study for any state that is dependent on Russian energy supply or infrastructure, especially post-Soviet states. Since 2022, Russia engaged in a well-funded hybrid war in Moldova, to among other things, undermine Moldova’s move toward energy independence from Russia. This hybrid war has focused on information warfare including but not limited to narratives around energy. Both the 2024 Moldovan election and the 2025 energy crisis are examples of Russian attempts to leverage energy narratives toward electoral outcomes. The paper offers a window into how Russia behaves with former Soviet states that are perceived to be leaving Russia’s sphere of influence, including but not limited to leveraging energy and information as weapons. This should serve as a warning to other states that are not energy independent, and specifically European states who reconnect to Russian energy following a future cessation of conflict in Ukraine.