Reuters reported that Russia financially supported Moldovan Orthodox priests, funding pilgrimages to Moscow and providing prepaid bank cards to them. In exchange, these priests were tasked with creating Telegram channels to influence their parishioners ahead of the Moldovan presidential election and pro-European Union referendum scheduled for November 2024. 

Journalists interviewed 15 clergy members and analyzed media showing that hundreds of people related to the Orthodox Church visited Russia between June and October 2024. Bishop Mihai Bicu participated in one such trip but ultimately did not follow through with Moscow’s plan. 

The newly created Telegram channels—nearly 90 in the past year—spread messages opposing pro-Western policies, emphasizing threats to Moldova’s traditional family values and religious freedom under EU influence. Moldovan authorities and President Maia Sandu have condemned this interference as an unethical attempt to sway voters.

source: currenttime.tv

Keep an eye on the daily Telegram news from OnlyTG.