Russia has paid Orthodox priests in the Republic of Moldova to create Telegram channels that promote traditional values and warn against joining the EU.

Russia has hired Orthodox priests from Moldova, offering them pilgrimages to Moscow and financial rewards to create social media channels. These priests have been trained to warn parishioners about the dangers of integration with the EU and to promote traditional values, in the context of crucial parliamentary elections. Nearly 90 Telegram channels have been created, broadcasting anti-Western messages and claiming that Moldovan values are threatened by European influence. This campaign is part of a broader strategy by Russia to influence politics in Moldova.