In the early hours of August 25, 2025, news broke that the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had announced additional sanctions against sixteen individuals and two entities under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations for their role in Russia’s malign interference activities in Moldova. These latest measures are a stark reminder that global stability and security are increasingly under threat from state-sponsored disinformation and destabilization.
Canada's decision to impose these sanctions is particularly significant given the country's long-standing commitment to undermining Russia's ability to continue its unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine through Moldova's territory, countering Russian destabilization efforts in the region, and supporting the democratically elected Government of Moldova. This move underscores Canada's determination to stand firm against Russia's malign interference activities, which have been linked to numerous incidents of election meddling, propaganda campaigns, and even violent attacks on political opponents.
To understand the depth of this issue, it is essential to examine Russia's history of supporting authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia has consistently sought to exert its influence over neighboring countries through a combination of economic coercion, military power, and disinformation campaigns. In Moldova, Russia's support for the breakaway region of Transnistria has long been seen as a strategic move to maintain control over this strategically located territory.
Moldova, with its porous border with Ukraine and its disputed status as a result of the post-Soviet conflict, makes it an attractive location for Russian intelligence agencies looking to expand their reach in Europe. Over the past few years, Russia has employed a range of tactics to destabilize Moldovan politics, including backing opposition parties, spreading disinformation about the government, and even orchestrating violent protests.
One individual who embodies this trend is Ilan Shor, a Moldovan politician and businessman with ties to Russia's intelligence agencies. Shor's party, the Shor Party, was sanctioned by Canada in June 2023, following allegations of corruption and election interference. However, his influence extends far beyond Moldova's borders, as he has been implicated in coordinating Russian disinformation efforts aimed at undermining democratic governments across Eastern Europe.
Key stakeholders in this conflict include Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who has long sought to expand Moscow's influence over the former Soviet republics; Ilan Shor, whose party and associates are accused of spreading disinformation about Moldova's government; and the United States, which has imposed its own sanctions on Russian officials and entities implicated in election meddling.
According to Dr. Elena Pokaleva, Senior Research Fellow at the Kennan Institute: "Russia’s malign interference activities in Moldova are a symptom of a broader strategy to undermine democratic institutions across Eastern Europe. The Kremlin sees these efforts as a necessary component of its overall goal of maintaining a sphere of influence that encompasses all of Eurasia."
In recent months, there have been numerous incidents that highlight the nature and scope of Russia's disinformation campaigns in Moldova. In June 2025, for example, Canada announced new sanctions against Russian collaborators who were accused of spreading disinformation about the democratically elected government in Moldova.
These measures are being taken as political actors and organizations under Mr. Shor’s influence ramp up their efforts to interfere in Moldova's next parliamentary elections, which will be held on September 28, 2025. Canada is not alone in its condemnation of these efforts; numerous other Western countries have also imposed sanctions on Russian officials and entities implicated in election meddling.
In the coming months, it remains to be seen how effectively these measures can curb Russia’s malign interference activities in Moldova. However, one thing is clear: unless governments around the world are united in their determination to stand up against disinformation and authoritarianism, there will be no end to this web of deceit and destabilization.
Quick Facts:
Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on over 3,300 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova who are complicit in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The first round of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations was announced on June 1, 2023.
In recent months, there have been numerous incidents that highlight the nature and scope of Russia’s disinformation campaigns in Moldova.
Expert Insights:
Dr. Elena Pokaleva, Senior Research Fellow at the Kennan Institute: "Russia's malign interference activities in Moldova are a symptom of a broader strategy to undermine democratic institutions across Eastern Europe."
James Andrew Lewis, Director of Global Economic Programs at the Center for Strategic and International Studies: "The sanctions imposed by Canada on Russia's collaborators are an important step towards curbing their disinformation efforts."