hybrid threats, Russia, russian, Romania, Moldova

This interpretive case study focused on Russian hybrid threats in two countries that are historically and culturally quite close to each other. While Moldova is perceived by Russia as part of the territory where the Kremlin has long exercised its power interests, the situation is quite the opposite in the case of Romania. This Balkan state has followed its own foreign policy path after the collapse of the world and is currently firmly anchored in the Euro-Atlantic integration structures. For this reason, the Kremlin is failing to promote its power interests. It is Moldova that has a major problem with hybrid threats from Russia, as Russia asserts its influence through interference in Moldova's internal political issues, energy supplies and, last but not least, through the spread of disinformation.