Russian disinformation campaign reportedly used AI in Moldovan elections
Researchers and European officials reportedly documented a Russian disinformation campaign using AI-generated content to target Moldova's September 2025 parliamentary elections. The campaign spread fake posts, videos and impersonated media outlets on social media platforms to influence the election.
What happened
Russia conducted an intense campaign using AI-generated fake posts, videos and entire websites to influence Moldova's parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, 2025. The content was created and spread on TikTok, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
One AI-generated post impersonated OK!, a New York-based celebrity magazine, to spread a preposterous accusation against Moldova's president Maia Sandu involving celebrity sperm donors.
Reported impact
Researchers and European officials described the campaign as intense. According to a former State Department official, "The Russians now are able to basically control the information environment in Moldova in a way that they could only have dreamed a year ago."
Index analysis
The campaign reportedly used increasingly effective artificial intelligence tools to create and spread false content. Researchers noted the Russian efforts have been honed with experience and aided by rapidly evolving technologies.
Governance controls
During Moldova's previous election a year prior, Biden administration officials pushed back against such campaigns, urging platforms like Meta to identify trolls and inauthentic accounts. The Trump administration has since slashed diplomatic and financial support for Moldova's fight against Russian influence.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.