Moldova is currently navigating a geopolitical storm where the line between reality and a spy thriller has blurred. From armed drones carrying 50 kg of explosives to “spies” manufactured overnight in Moscow, the stakes for national security have never been higher. How do we protect our future in a landscape dominated by internal power struggles and intimidation tactics?
The following takeaways from the sources outline the most critical challenges facing the nation in 2025.
- The Mișin Case: Power Struggles Disguised as “Espionage”
Serghei Mișin, a former advisor to Igor Dodon, was recently detained in Moscow on surprising charges of spying for Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS),. However, analysis suggests Mișin is not a real spy but a victim of a settlement of accounts within the pro-Russian camp.
The conflict stems from the management of Russian funds intended for influence operations in Moldova. Mișin had publicly attacked Marina Tauber, accusing her of mishandling or stealing funds sent by Ilan Shor, which he claimed made their campaigns ineffective. His detention followed a classic Russian pressure tactic: he was initially held for “hooliganism” for a month to force a “confession” regarding his collaboration with SIS. This demonstrates that the Kremlin views its local puppets as disposable tools.
“The Mișin case is proof for me that Russia or the Kremlin curators do not have feelings of loyalty… they will use their puppets in Moldova… and when they are no longer useful… they will set the FSB on them.”
- The Drone Threat: 50 kg of Explosives Over Our Heads
Physical security is no longer a theoretical debate about neutrality. An armed Russian drone (Gheran 2) was recently found in the village of Crocmaz, carrying 50 kg of TNT. This amount of explosive is sufficient to completely demolish a two-story house or an industrial hall.
While some local political actors attempt to minimize or ignore these incidents as “provocations,” the sources clarify that Moldova is a direct collateral victim of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure,. Ignoring these risks leaves the population vulnerable to a conflict that is literally landing in their backyards.
- Telegram: The Invisible Front for Child Safety
One of the government’s key priorities for 2026 is digital safety for minors,. The sources identify the Telegram platform as the primary channel for distributing drugs to young people, exploiting its anonymity and total lack of cooperation with Moldovan authorities.
Because the platform does not moderate drug-trafficking groups accessible via simple keywords, the burden of safety falls almost entirely on parents. This is a national social security issue that requires high community vigilance to prevent the exploitation of the younger generation,.
“The safety of children, unfortunately, in this sense, falls more to the parents than to any other institution… Telegram does zero to stop this drug trafficking.”
- The Legal “Divorce” from the CIS
Moldova’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a complex bureaucratic process. According to the organization’s statutes, a state must provide written notice at least 12 months in advance before the withdrawal becomes effective.
Currently, the economic benefits of the CIS are negligible, with exports to Russia falling below 4%,. Furthermore, Russia has consistently used these agreements as political leverage, frequently violating them whenever it suited its interests. The withdrawal is a necessary step to align with the single economic zone required for EU integration.
- Justice Reform: Convictions vs. Stalling Tactics
The Moldovan judicial system is seeing its first significant results in high-profile cases, such as the initial sentencing of Dorin Damir to three years in prison. Additionally, Vlad Plahotniuc faces new criminal charges for falsifying official documents based on evidence found in Greece.
However, these cases face massive stalling tactics, with key witnesses—including former deputies—refusing to testify,. The final outcome of the Damir case is considered a “litmus test” for the judiciary’s ability to operate independently from the influence of the former “captured state”,.
“If [Damir’s] case ends with a final conviction with execution, I believe it is a good sign that… things in justice are moving in the right direction.”
Final Thought: Moldova is at a breaking point with old systems of external control. As institutions attempt to purge corruption, hybrid pressure is increasing through more aggressive methods. Is the judicial system strong enough to finalize these high-profile cases before the statutes of limitations expire?
