Network of websites that push Russian narratives in Romania

Unlike in Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and even France and Germany, the list of flagged online outlets is not very long. Romanian fact-checking organizations have conducted brilliant work debunking false claims and biased pro-Kremlin reports.

In Romania, trustworthy fact-checking organizations such as Veridica have flagged many of these websites for spreading Russian-linked disinformation, conspiracy theories, and anti-EU rhetoric—all under the guise of legitimate journalism. These outlets masquerade as neutral or patriotic news sources while regularly publishing narratives that distort the truth, polarize public opinion, and support Russia's geopolitical interests.

False narratives were circulated in Romania on/by various media channels, such as Activenews, Solidnews, Național, Ortodoxinfo, etc., and via TV and radio stations (Realitatea TV, România TV, Gold FM), as identified in this research.

Two Categories of pro-Russian and anti-Western Outlets in Romania

Based on our research, Romanian websites promoting the Kremlin’s narrative fall into two broad categories:

1) Domestic pro-Russian media outlets—These are locally run platforms that portray themselves as independent or nationalist but regularly push anti-EU, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Russia messaging. They often recycle Russian propaganda narratives while embedding them in a Romanian political, religious, or cultural context. Examples include ActiveNews, National.ro, Flux24, and others.

2) Russian-funded outlets with Romanian editions—These are direct extensions of Kremlin-sponsored media operations, including Sputnik, Pravda, and TopWar. Despite EU bans on some of them, they persist in reaching Romanian-speaking audiences through mirrors, proxies, or Telegram channels. Their editorial lines are strictly aligned with the Kremlin’s foreign policy, and their articles are often translations or reprints from the Russian-language versions.

These platforms differ in presentation but serve a common strategic objective: to erode trust in Western alliances, promote Russia’s image as a “liberator” or a defender of traditional values, and destabilize democratic consensus within Romanian society and impact public opinion in the context of elections.

Fact-checkers like Veridica have specifically called out Romanian-language sites for spreading falsehoods tied to Kremlin narratives—anti-EU, anti-vaccination, and conspiratorial threads.

High-level state networks (Sputnik, Pravda, TopWar) are overtly Russian-funded and pose as “state-backed” propaganda while targeting Romanian audiences. There are well-known Russian propaganda networks, like the Romanian edition of News-Pravda, that operate to camouflage their affiliation while amplifying Kremlin talking points.

We have identified eight websites that fit this profile—five locally managed, biased news outlets and three Russian-funded propaganda platforms with Romanian language versions. These websites systematically endorse Russia’s framing of the war in Ukraine, spread anti-Ukrainian sentiment, and condemn Western democratic institutions (NATO and the EU).

In the sections that follow, we provide detailed profiles of the following websites, including examples of manipulation, biased reporting, and disinformation narratives:

• ro.sputniknews.com
• romania.news-pravda.com
• ro.topwar.ru
• flux24.ro
• aznews.ro  
• activenews.ro  
• solidnews.ro 
• national.ro 

Activenews.ro

ActiveNews.ro is a conspiratorial outlet that combines far-right populism, ultra-religious rhetoric, and Kremlin-aligned narratives. The site routinely portrays the EU as a corrupt, morally degenerate “empire” and calls for Romania’s exit from the EU (RoExit). Despite its anti-European stance, ActiveNews is linked to a network of companies and NGOs that have managed EU-funded development projects.

A network of companies and NGOs affiliated with the ActiveNews.ro portal, which promotes conspiracies and disinformation, has run projects with European funds worth over 136 million lei, an investigation has found. Its owner, Mihail-Dorian Vorel, has received millions in EU funding while running anti-EU propaganda.

The portal is the most popular site identified in the cross-border investigation “Network of Lies” and is part of a disinformation ecosystem created in Europe and constantly publishes articles containing anti-European messages, the study concluded.

The company Media Root, with Mihail-Dorian Vorel as its sole shareholder, launched the ActiveNews website in 2013. Since 2019, Vorel has been managing and consulting at the company Eco Rural Consulting, owned by his wife. The firm, specializing in consulting on European funds, has carried out several projects financed with money from the EU, while ActiveNews has spread disinformation about the European Union and beyond.

The platform frequently quotes banned Russian outlets like RIA Novosti and propagandists like Scott Ritter, and it has republished pieces accusing NATO of provoking nuclear war and Ukraine of war crimes. It also amplifies the voices of Romanian ultranationalist politicians and religious figures while portraying the West as anti-Christian and “hostile to Orthodoxy.” Articles are framed to promote distrust in democratic institutions and justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as morally legitimate.

Indicators of Russian narratives in ActiveNews’ content

Extensive Use of Russian State and Proxy Sources. The outlet frequently quotes and republishes content from well-known Russian state propaganda platforms, including GlobalResearch.ca, RIA.ru, and Vzglyad (vz.ru), as well as secondary pro-Kremlin outlets like romania.news-pravda.com. These sources are internationally recognized as Kremlin-aligned and have been sanctioned or banned in various countries for distributing disinformation and war propaganda.

Replication of Kremlin Narratives. Articles systematically promote core Russian propaganda themes, such as "NATO being an aggressor and allegedly responsible for escalating the war in Ukraine," "The Russian invasion of Ukraine is framed as a 'defensive' reaction to NATO expansion, not as unprovoked aggression," and claims of a “NATO proxy war” through Ukraine, conveniently aligning with Kremlin messaging about the West using Ukraine as a pawn to weaken Russia.

Amplification of Anti-Ukrainian and Anti-Western Messages. ActiveNews.ro consistently denigrates the Ukrainian government and leadership, frequently employing language and framing that discredits President Zelensky and depicts Ukraine as subordinate to Western powers. The website echoes Russian disinformation claiming Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory and Russian Orthodox or cultural persecution, directly mirroring Russia’s justification for the war and for crackdowns within occupied areas.

Platforming Known Kremlin Propagandists and Conspiracy Theorists. The website often features opinions and news items quoting or based on statements by Kremlin-aligned influencers and conspiracy theorists (such as Larry C. Johnson and Alex Jones), giving visibility and perceived legitimacy to their pro-Russian assertions.

Recurrent manipulations of data and facts. Articles manipulate casualty statistics and present unverifiable or disputed numbers to undermine Ukraine and bolster the Russian narrative of inevitable victory and overwhelming Ukrainian losses. Western policies and leaders are systematically portrayed as malevolent actors intent on prolonging the conflict for personal or “globalist” gain, with key facts distorted to align with Russian messaging strategies.

Promotion of Russian Framing of Major Events. Coverage of events like attacks in Voronezh or on Russian railway infrastructure adopts and amplifies the official Russian position that presents such incidents as "terrorist attacks" by Ukraine without critical scrutiny or verification from neutral sources. Narratives around nuclear escalation invariably present Russia as defensive and blame NATO and the West for any potential escalation.

Delegitimizing European Institutions and Fostering Conspiracy. The website attacks the EU and Western alliances, employing the same rhetoric used by Kremlin propaganda to sow distrust and division among European audiences. While benefiting from EU funds, it simultaneously propagates anti-EU conspiracy theories—a contradiction often seen in outlets aligned with hostile foreign information operations.

Find a few examples of its biased reporting selected by our analysts below.

"The Kremlin also said that Russia was ready to honor agreements with Ukraine on a new exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of dead soldiers but accused Kyiv of not keeping its side of the bargain."

• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Kremlinul-acuza-NATO-ca-este-un-instrument-de-agresiune-si-confruntare-197808

It reposted the propaganda outlet GlobalResearch.ca: “Russia's rescue of the Russian territories attributed to Ukraine by Soviet leaders is important for Putin, but even more important is to get an agreement between the major powers.”

https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/Putin-nu-vrea-pace-in-Ucraina-ci-o-noua-Ialta-%E2%80%93-Nici-Trump-nu-moare-dupa-pace-197433

It quoted Russian propaganda agency RIA.ru: “Monks from the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, threatened with an attack by the Ukrainian central authorities.”

“Many of the monks of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Pechersk Lavra—around two hundred—'are determined to remain and endure to the end,' martyrdom headlines the national news agency RIA.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/Calugarii-din-Lavra-Pecerska-a-Kievului-amenintati-cu-un-atac-din-partea-autoritatilor-centrale-ucrainiene-declara-ca-nu-vor-parasi-altarele-si-lacasul-care-i-a-hranit-duhovniceste-atitia-ani-180888

It quoted Russian disinformation website romania.news-pravda.com: “French MEP on Georgescu's elimination: EU wants to silence this patriot. Wake up!”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/world/2025/03/15/46527.html 
• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Europarlamentar-francez-despre-eliminarea-lui-Georgescu-UE-vrea-sa-reduca-la-tacere-acest-patriot.-Treziti-va-195870 

It also uses Russian propaganda, such as “Russia is targeted by a new Ukrainian terrorist attack.”

"Russian authorities suspended traffic on Thursday on one of the railway lines in the Voronezh region, located about 450 kilometers south of Moscow, due to a new explosion on the railway, Agerpres reports."

• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Rusia-vizata-de-un-nou-atac-terorist-Explozie-pe-calea-ferata-in-regiunea-Voronej-197726

Russian propaganda narratives “Nuclear apocalypse is getting closer; NATO will be entirely to blame.”

“Russia, which has more nuclear weapons than any other state, has repeatedly said that the West is involved in a war that could escalate into a global conflict.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Avertisment-sumbru-al-unui-oficial-rus-Apocalipsa-nucleara-este-tot-mai-aproape.-Vina-va-fi-in-intregime-a-NATO-182209

"The lists of murdered Ukrainians, whom Kyiv refuses to take over, have been published in order to avoid recognizing the defeat and compensating the widows!"

“It will be a war to the death between the sovereignists and between the so-called “pro-European” globalists, unaware, who want to draw NATO or at least the countries of the European Union plus England into a war with the Russian Federation, who try daily to convince us that Russia wants to attack us, while Russia firmly maintains its position that it wants peace, wants the parts of Ukraine it won on the front, and a buffer zone.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Andrei-Gusa-S-au-publicat-listele-ucrainenilor-ucisi-pe-care-Kievul-refuza-sa-i-preia-pentru-a-evita-recunoasterea-infrangerii-si-compensarea-vaduvelor-197849

It quoted Russian propaganda website Vzglyad (vz.ru) to blame France: “France is preparing Romania for a military conflict with Russia.”

"The European liberal elites, through France, are turning Romania into an anti-Russian bastion, anticipating the success of the Russian special operation, after which Ukraine will change its Russophobic political course. NATO's southeastern borders will become the dividing line between Russia and Europe. Thus, France, a major military power of the EU, is preparing Romania for a future military conflict."

• https://www.activenews.ro/stiri/Presa-rusa-Franta-pregateste-Romania-pentru-un-conflict-militar-cu-Rusia-197507

Denigrating Ukrainian political leadership and painting the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “NATO proxy war against Russia.” Quoting a known Kremlin propaganda asset, Johnson Larry C., “The CIA knew! Trump is either a figurehead president or he has completely compromised himself—the attack on Russia is a decisive stage of the Great Reset.”

“This attack was not something a guy like Zelensky, whose skills include being a former homoerotic dancer and actor, was prepared for.”

“As former CIA analyst Larry Johnson said in an interview with Judge Andrew Napolitano on Monday, the US government is working to provide the president with plausible deniability for such an operation, which took place 3,000 kilometers inside Russia, far from the front lines of the current war.”

“In a NATO proxy war against Russia, in which Ukraine is the proxy, someone in Washington and/or London would have to be involved in such a sophisticated and strategic operation as the one that took place on Sunday, Johnson said.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/CIA-a-stiut-%E2%80%93-Trump-e-fie-un-presedinte-de-forma-fie-s-a-compromis-definitiv-%E2%80%93-Atacul-asupra-Rusiei-este-o-etapa-decisiva-a-Marii-Resetari-197694 

Shifting the blame for Russian aggression against Ukraine on the United States, Germany, and NATO.

“Escalation occurred when Russia attacked Ukraine, because Biden could not leave the country where he and his sons had done such great business, a buffer between NATO and Moscow.”

“Another stage in "peace until final victory" was when the head of the German secret services said that the war must last a minimum of five years so that the peaceful world can be sure that Russia is on the ground.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/CIA-a-stiut-%E2%80%93-Trump-e-fie-un-presedinte-de-forma-fie-s-a-compromis-definitiv-%E2%80%93-Atacul-asupra-Rusiei-este-o-etapa-decisiva-a-Marii-Resetari-197694

Quoting a conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones, with the intention of shifting the blame for Russian aggression against Ukraine on NATO and “globalists.” Painting the Russian war against Ukraine as a plan to escalate to World War III as a part of a “globalist conspiracy.” Denigrating Ukrainian political leadership.

“What if Trump gets eaten by a wolf?”

“Jones's claims are explosive. He suggests—no more, no less—that the President of the United States is being intentionally kept in the dark, fed truncated information about the situation in Ukraine, in order to cause him to escalate the conflict with Putin, so that the globalists' wet dream will finally come true: World War III.”

“Now, he pats the little dictator in Kyiv on the head like a father. He no longer cares that he wears a T-shirt. Or that he is illegitimate, having had his term expire for more than a year. He doesn't even want elections in Ukraine anymore. Nor does he accuse Zelensky of starting the war.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/Daca-pe-Trump-il-mananca-lupul-197567

Denigrating Ukrainian political leadership. Propagating a Russian narrative of the “mother” role of Russia for Ukraine.

“Starting with the Poles, the Allies saw the true face of "brother" Zelensky: an aging Goe, disfigured by hatred and hysterical, ready to literally kill Mommy for his whims. And set the world on fire, unless someone urgently stops him.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/opinii/Arunca-l-pe-Goe-din-tren-184508

Shifting the blame for Russian aggression against Ukraine to NATO.

 “Anyone in Putin's place would have done the same in the face of NATO expansion. Including Joe Biden, if, absurdly, the Russians had been so audacious as to erect military bases (with "defensive" missile launchers) right on the coast of the United States. This is why numerous analysts and officials in the West have warned since 2008, at the NATO summit in Bucharest, that the expansion of the alliance risks triggering a war. Which is what happened. And the media then rushed to put the stamp "unprovoked invasion" before the most cursory analysis. Unfortunately, the American Deep State, made up of Washington’s power structures, has deliberately chosen the war option.”

• https://www.activenews.ro/ucraina/NATO-RUSIA-UCRAINA.-Adrian-Onciu-CONTROLUL-NARATIUNII-OFICIALE.-Remarcile-lui-Stoltenberg-altadata-clasificate-drept-propaganda-rusa-de-catre-expertii-in-dezinformare-au-trecut-aproape-neobservate-184241 

“Vladimir Putin is the first to state that the West is willing to fight until the last Ukrainian. Well, it seems that's exactly what's happening: there are no more Ukrainians, or at least there are no more Ukrainians ready to die for their country.”

To sum up, ActiveNews.ro’s content, source selection, narrative framing, and propagation of conspiracy theories align consistently with established Russian propaganda efforts. Its editorial practices provide clear and repeated evidence of acting as a conduit for Kremlin disinformation, both through direct republication and adoption of thematic messaging central to Russian state interests.

National.ro

National.ro presents itself as a mainstream Romanian news outlet but has become a persistent amplifier of Kremlin-aligned narratives and anti-Western sentiment. While it covers standard domestic topics like politics and sports, its political commentary increasingly reflects Russian propaganda—often adopting its terminology, framing, and rhetorical strategies.

It regularly publishes highly politicized and biased content that aligns with Kremlin messaging. The site is particularly aggressive in targeting Ukraine, often ridiculing Volodymyr Zelensky through memes, collages, and mocking language that frame him as incompetent, corrupt, or subservient to the West.

These attacks blur the distinction between satire and disinformation. National.ro has republished stories questioning the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state, echoing narratives that Ukraine is artificial or that Ukrainian leaders are puppets of NATO. By mixing sensationalism with nationalist tropes, the outlet promotes cynicism toward Ukraine, fails to condemn Russia’s war aggression, and subtly reinforces Russian talking points, all while avoiding overt Kremlin branding.

This website consistently uses loaded language, false dilemmas, and manipulative framing to portray the West, Ukraine, and Romanian pro-European leaders as corrupt, aggressive, or incompetent. Satirical collages, memes, and mocking phrases (“Zelensky’s servants,” “refugee bills,” “sabotori de serviciu”) are used to trivialize or delegitimize pro-EU voices and Ukraine’s leadership. The site often borrows terminology from Russian propaganda, such as “illegitimate Kyiv regime.”

Key pro-Kremlin narratives disseminated by National.ro

Questioning Romania’s sovereignty. National.ro regularly claims Romania has lost sovereignty to Brussels, Paris, and Washington. It accuses political leaders (e.g. Nicușor Dan) of serving EU and NATO interests while ignoring national concerns.

Denigrating Ukraine. Ukraine’s president is mocked, accused of provoking war, sabotaging negotiations, and dragging allies into chaos. The outlet often implies that Zelensky acts against Romania’s interests and punishes Europe.

Criticizing EU’s support for Ukraine. Aid to Ukraine is portrayed as unjustifiable and damaging: economically, socially, and militarily. Refugees are described in derogatory terms; military aid is depicted as a direct threat to Romanian lives.

“Ukraine is the aggressor; Russia is provoked”. Ukraine is blamed for attacks that “complicate peace” and supposedly justify Russian escalation. The site echoes Russian strategic framing: portraying Kyiv’s military actions as terrorism or provocations.

“Romania is being dragged into a war that is not ours”. Multiple articles warn that supporting Ukraine militarily (e.g. F-16 training, missile defense) puts Romania at risk. It claims that "NATO and Ukraine are dragging the country into an unnecessary conflict with Russia."

“The EU and NATO are morally bankrupt”. The West is described as promoting gender ideology, censorship, and a loss of traditional values. These themes align with Russia’s civilizational narrative of East vs. West.

In one of the articles it spread Russian propaganda narratives claiming that “Romania became an EU colony” and calling to “stop spending money on Ukraine and migrants.”

"Nicușor Dan, together with recycled USR members and “independents” well-anchored in the network of progressive NGOs, has climbed from the social laboratory called Bucharest directly to the helm of the country. They have forgotten about district heating, but they explain to us what “climate diversity” means. They have turned a blind eye to corruption in the administration, but they theatrically cry on the shoulders of “European values” and “Ukraine.” We have unfortunately become accustomed to the idea that authority comes "from above," but that "above" is no longer Bucharest. Today, it is Brussels, it is Paris, it is the embassies, corporations, and foundations. What does it matter that 60% of Romanians are against uncontrolled migration or that 80% reject gender ideology in schools? We have ideological commissioners walking around TV studios who decide for the people what is possible and what is not."

• https://www.national.ro/politica/romania-colonie-cu-acte-n-regula-tara-noastra-deciziile-lor-851888.html/

“Sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine won't deter Putin. The strategy seems flawed. Patriot missiles will do little to pressure Putin and will not help Ukraine in the short or long term, according to UnHerd. More resources are being wasted on a war that is peripheral to core US interests.”

• https://www.national.ro/politica/trimiterea-rachetelor-patriot-in-ucraina-nu-il-va-descuraja-pe-putin-849606.html/ 

“This is really putting us into war with the Russians! Because if the Romanian state authorities manage to drag out enough time with the implementation of the "precious indications" that pressure us for the Romanian Army to shoot down at least a Russian military drone, then we really have a chance to come out of the "frozen conflict" with a "clean face!"

• https://www.national.ro/dezvaluiri/asta-chiar-ne-baga-in-razboi-cu-rusii-811220.html/ 

“The legacy of the war in Ukraine is a world of chaos and panic, with nations desperate to arm themselves to the teeth, with political and military leaders who only talk about tanks, missiles, and fighter jets. As if it wasn't enough that we're on Russia's radar after we agreed to train Ukrainian pilots for American F-16 jets, Zelensky has made sure that we have Moscow's target squarely on our foreheads! Glory to Ukraine!”

• https://www.national.ro/politica/mostenirea-lui-biden-arme-nucleare-in-romania-si-polonia-812592.html/ 

It used Russian propaganda terminology such as “illegitimate Ukrainian regime” and narratives such as “Ukraine's attacks on Russian air bases are complicating the peace process.”

“Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian air bases and the Kerch bridge in Crimea may complicate the peace process and give Vladimir Putin an excuse to escalate the conflict. After claiming that the "illegitimate regime in Kiev" has turned into a "terrorist organization," Putin will be even more determined to punish Ukraine, exploiting the Spider Web to gain more domestic support and continue new offensives.”

• https://www.national.ro/politica/ucraina-risca-mult-cu-atacurile-impotriva-rusiei-851879.html/

“He (ed. - Nicusor Dan), on the occasion of participating in the (regional) B9 and Nordic countries Summit, held last week in Vilnius, Lithuania, signed an act by which he obliges Romania to support Ukraine for its fastest possible accession to the European Union and NATO, as well as to support it, unequivocally, materially and militarily. This decision taken by himself—as they say, on his own—dangerously engages the country in a possible armed conflict with Russia, a war that does not belong to us.”

• https://www.national.ro/editorial/dan-claudiu-tanasescu/razboi-si-pace-851848.html/

“The comparison may seem abrupt, but it is more relevant than it seems at first glance: just as Zelensky fires missiles exactly when the Russians want to negotiate. USR is perfectly comparable to Zelensky: reactive, conflictual, and unable to see beyond their own "truth"! When others try to negotiate, they fire destructive rhetoric. Only saboteurs on duty act like this—they know they have to play ball, but they steal the script and dig up the bullet.”

• https://www.national.ro/politica/usr-si-zelenski-sabotori-de-serviciu-852373.html/

“A press release issued by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium states that, on February 17, 2025, the Kropotkinskaya crude oil transportation facility was subjected to a terrorist attack by unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Ukrainian military.”

• https://www.national.ro/economie/iar-ne-a-tras-o-ucraina-romania-ramane-si-fara-petrolul-din-import-845455.html/

“Gas shutdown: Is Zelensky punishing Europe? As a result, Ukraine loses billions of euros in gas transit fees, the EU faces rising energy prices, and Russia is largely insulated from the consequences. It is hard to imagine that Zelensky does not know how little impact his latest action will have on Russia and how much on Europe.”

• https://www.national.ro/politica/oprirea-gazelor-zelenski-pedepseste-europa-843324.html/

“Zelensky’s servants, get your paws off Father Jar! Perhaps it is also good that, while Volodymyr Zelensky's extreme visits are increasingly rare, Iohannis has become a "squeak" at the Cotroceni Palace so that millions of Romanian taxpayers continue to bear, but at even higher prices, the costs of accommodating tens of thousands of Ukrainian “refugees.”

• https://www.national.ro/dezvaluiri/slugile-lui-zelenski-jos-labele-de-pe-parintele-jar-804170.html/ 

Thus, National.ro plays a significant role in laundering Russian propaganda into Romanian public discourse. It avoids overt alignment with the Kremlin by framing its narratives as “patriotic,” “anti-globalist,” or “common sense,” while pushing core disinformation themes: Ukraine as aggressor, the West as colonizer, and Romania as a victim. The site blends satire, commentary, and alarmist rhetoric to influence public opinion, undermine Romania’s Euro-Atlantic commitments, and legitimize Russian narratives—all under the guise of political critique.

Flux24.ro

Flux24.ro is a nationalist-oriented Romanian site that routinely amplifies anti-Western and pro-Russian narratives. Its articles often cite Kremlin-aligned figures or commentators to argue that the EU and NATO are instruments of Western imperialism. Ukraine is framed as a provocateur, while Russia is described as acting in defense of traditional values and sovereignty. It frequently exploits the conspiratorial allegation that the West is using Romania as a pawn in a plot to escalate conflict with Russia.

The site has published articles quoting Russian sources warning that Romania is being militarized by NATO and could be drawn into war. It also presents disinformation about economic collapse, societal degradation, and religious persecution supposedly caused by Western liberalism. Cited in Veridica’s fact-checking reports as a key disinformation node, Flux24 uses emotionally charged language and one-sided analysis to stoke fear, Euroscepticism, and sympathy for Moscow’s agenda.

The website frequently relies on statements from overtly pro-Russian figures, such as former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and ideologues like Alexander Dugin, without critical context or independent verification. These narratives serve to delegitimize Ukraine, cast Western countries—especially the United States—as hostile provocateurs, and justify Russia’s aggressive stance in the war.

The website pushes a highly politicized and distorted portrayal of Ukraine’s leadership and sovereignty, depicting President Zelenskyy as a puppet of Western powers (notably the U.S.) and portraying Ukraine as a state manipulated into war by external forces (USAID or CIA). This outside control narrative attempts to absolve Russia of responsibility for initiating conflict and shifts blame onto Ukraine and its Western backers.

Religious and ideological manipulation is also prominent, with claims that elements of the Ukrainian armed forces openly glorify Nazism, thus perpetuating the Kremlin narrative of a “Nazi” threat as a justification for military intervention. Anti-Western conspiracy theories and revisionist history narratives are heavily featured, including the false legal argument that the USSR was never properly dissolved—used to legitimize Russian claims on post-Soviet territories—and the assertion that Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Eastern Europe are “historically Russian” lands destined to be “reclaimed.”

A regular tactic employed is the presentation of alarming and fabricated scenarios, such as the suggestion that Ukraine is on the verge of or already in default, that Ukrainian intelligence planned to sabotage nuclear power plants to “pull everyone down” with them, or that the U.S. might orchestrate the assassination of Zelenskyy—always framing the West, not Russia, as the primary aggressor and threat. These claims seek to instill fear and depict Russia’s reaction as defensive and justified.

Key pro-Russian narratives promoted by Flux24.ro

Ukraine as a Puppet of the West that Provoked the War. Claims that Zelenskyy follows explicit U.S. orders to instigate conflict. The Ukrainian government was framed as a CIA-installed regime lacking sovereignty.

Demonization and Delegitimization of Ukraine. Ukrainian armed forces accused of glorifying Nazism, underpinning a “Nazi threat” narrative. Ukraine is portrayed as bankrupt, failed, and irresponsible, deepening perceptions of instability.

Revisionist Claims about Soviet Legacy and Territorial Rights. The USSR’s supposed legal non-dissolution is used to justify Russia’s territorial ambitions. Eastern European countries, including Ukraine and Belarus, were asserted as inherently Russian lands.

Depiction of the West as an Evil Actor. The U.S. and Western powers are accused of plotting Zelenskyy’s removal and manipulating the conflict. Western aid to Ukraine is characterized as war provocation and escalation.

Apocalyptic and Destructive Threats. Fabricated claims regarding plans to blow up Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to escalate the conflict. The recurring theme is that Ukraine and its allies risk global catastrophe and instability.

Glorification of Kremlin Ideologues and Justification of Russian Aggression. Frequent citation of Alexander Dugin advocating military expansion. Framing Russian actions as “restoration of historical justice” and the “liberation” of native lands.

Use of Unverified or Sanctioned Sources Without Context. Heavy reliance on statements by sanctioned figures such as Mykola Azarov. Echoing pro-Kremlin foreign commentators like Tucker Carlson uncritically.

It quoted former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov to support the Kremlin propaganda claims that USAID allegedly imposed a directive on Zelenskyy to start a military conflict with Russia in order to “return Donbas and Crimea.”

"The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) gave Volodymyr Zelensky specific instructions at the very beginning of his presidency in 2019, which he followed to the letter, former Ukrainian Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said. For example, the instructions included a demand to start an armed conflict with Russia over Donbas."

• https://flux24.ro/fost-premier-ucrainian-usaid-i-a-dat-ordine-lui-zelenski-trebuie-sa-intrati-intr-un-conflict-militar-cu-rusia/  

"Ukraine has actually gone bankrupt by refusing to pay its obligations and failing to avoid default, said Nikolai Azarov, who was the country's prime minister from 2010 to 2014. Ukraine is not on the brink of default; in fact, its default started long ago because Kyiv is not paying its obligations. If a country behaves like a country facing a default, it has already gone into insolvency," he wrote on Telegram. According to Azarov, “all rating agencies refer to Ukraine's government obligations as ‘junk’ in their ratings.”

• https://flux24.ro/fost-premier-ucrainean-sustine-ca-tara-sa-a-intrat-in-faliment/

“If the USSR was not formally dissolved in accordance with the established procedure, then, logically speaking, the Ukrainian crisis can be seen as an internal process, Kobiakov believes. He believes that the dissolution of the USSR should be subject to a competent legal assessment to clarify current events.”

• https://flux24.ro/asistentul-lui-putin-din-punct-de-vedere-juridic-urss-exista-pe-undeva/

"European leaders planning to go to Ukraine on May 9 should ask the head of the Kiev regime, Volodymyr Zelensky, why some of the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are openly praising Nazism, said Marta Gavrysko. In an article written for the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung, she reports that some Ukrainian soldiers glorify the Waffen-SS “Galicia” Division and the “Nachtigall” Battalion.

• https://flux24.ro/istoric-ucrainean-in-berliner-zeitung-liderii-europeni-care-intentioneaza-sa-mearga-in-ucraina-pe-9-mai-ar-trebui-sa-l-intrebe-pe-zelenski-de-ce-unii-dintre-militarii-sai-lauda-nazismul-pe-fata/ 

Kremlin propagandist A. Dugin is quoted with reference to the sanctioned RIA Novosti agency. Dugin calls for the seizure of Ukrainian territories and presents these territories as “native Russian” state spaces, seeking to legitimize further Russian military expansion under the guise of “liberation from the Nazis.”

“The liberation of new Russian regions from the Nazis, as well as Sumy, Kharkiv, and Odessa, will be a great success for Russia after the liberation of the Kursk region from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian philosopher, political scientist, and sociologist Alexander Dugin told RIA Novosti.”

• https://flux24.ro/dughin-dupa-eliberarea-kursk-cere-cucerirea-regiunilor-sumy-harkov-si-odessa/ 

It reported the fake that the US is allegedly planning to eliminate Zelenskyy, comparing him to a “rat that needs to be exterminated.”

"The United States could decide on a scenario where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be liquidated, the chairman of the Sovereignty Committee of the Civic Chamber of Russia, Vladimir Rogov, told NEWS.ru. According to him, such a step would allow a new leader to come to power in Ukraine, to the liking of the White House, Rambler.ru reports. Essentially, this could be a joint decision consolidated in the West: the removal of Zelensky and, ideally, blaming Russia for such a misdeed."

• https://flux24.ro/il-vor-lichida-americanii-pe-zelenski-are-lucruri-compromitatoare-despre-lideri-americani-si-se-revolta/ 

"Ukraine must belong to Russia and no one else. Not Europe and not America. At the same time, it is entirely conceivable that Canada will become the 51st US state—here we have no objections. Or that Greenland will become American—again, we have no objections," Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin wrote in an article."

• https://flux24.ro/dughin-nu-avem-obiectii-ca-groenlanda-va-deveni-americana-sau-canada-al-51-lea-stat-al-sua-dar-ucraina-belarus-tarile-baltice-si-o-parte-a-europei-de-est-ne-apartin-definitiv-nu-exista-intrebari/

“The Kiev regime has opened a Pandora's box. It is now unclear how it can be closed. The only thing that can be done is to publicly punish the person who opened it—which is what Russia will now do, and Trump is apparently in favor of such a Russian reaction.”

• https://flux24.ro/oficial-rus-regimul-de-la-kiev-a-deschis-o-adevarata-cutie-a-pandorei-singurul-lucru-care-se-poate-face-este-pedepsirea-publica-a-celui-care-a-deschis-o-ceea-ce-va-face-rusia-acum-iar-tru/ 

It reposted the fake that the head of Ukraine's military intelligence allegedly planned to blow up all of Ukraine's nuclear power plants if Ukraine lost the war. The article compared the Ukrainian leadership to a “monkey with a grenade.”

"The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Defense Ministry, Kyrylo Budanov, has proposed blowing up all of the country's nuclear power plants in case Kiev is defeated in the conflict, former independent adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Aleksei Arestovich, stated."

• https://flux24.ro/fost-consilier-al-lui-zelenski-seful-spionajului-militar-de-la-kiev-vrea-aruncarea-in-aer-a-centralelor-nucleare-daca-pierde-razboiul/ 

It quoted a well-known pro-Kremlin propagandist, Tucker Carlson, from RIA articles backing the Russian narrative that Ukraine's government was “installed by the CIA” after the alleged 2014 “coup d'état.”

"The Ukrainian government was installed in power by the CIA following the 2014 coup, and Ukraine is unfulfilled as a sovereign state, US journalist Tucker Carlson has said. Ukraine is not sovereign; the Ukrainian government was installed by the CIA coup in 2014. So it is not a sovereign state," Carlson explained, as quoted by RIA Novosti".

• https://flux24.ro/tucker-carlson-rusia-a-invins-sua-in-ucraina/ 

Flux24.ro’s content shows a clear pattern of amplifying Kremlin propaganda tactics: externalizing blame for conflict, weaponizing history and ethnicity, inventing or exaggerating crises, and portraying Russia as a victim forced to “restore justice.” This disinformation strategy seeks to sow confusion, erode support for Ukraine and Western alliances, and legitimize the Kremlin’s aggressive policies in the eyes of Romanian audiences.

Solidnews.ro

SolidNews.ro functions as an ideological translator of Kremlin propaganda into Romanian discourse. The site frequently cites Russian geopolitical strategists like Aleksandr Dugin and Nikolai Patrushev, presenting their extremist views as legitimate analysis. It promotes narratives portraying NATO as an aggressor, Ukraine as a failed state ruled by American puppets, and Russia as a guardian of a “multipolar world.”

One article described the EU as a tool of the “globalist deep state” attempting to eradicate national sovereignty and religious values. SolidNews often references Kremlin language, using terms like “special military operation” instead of “Russia's war of aggression” and portraying the West as decadent and authoritarian. By presenting radical Russian ideological content within a pseudo-journalistic format, the outlet normalizes authoritarian worldviews and offers justification for Russian military aggression to Romanian audiences.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is constantly demonized—branded as a dictator or U.S. proxy or compared to Osama bin Laden—creating a false equivalence between democratic governance and terrorism. Ukraine is repeatedly portrayed as a neo-Nazi state that oppresses religious minorities and provokes nuclear catastrophe, with responsibility for aggression being deflected onto Western governments.

Solidnews.ro relies on fabricated claims and distortions, such as the fake narrative that Ukrainian forces attacked Romanian Orthodox churches or struck Russian nuclear facilities—both lacking any credible evidence. Religious and ethnic issues are manipulated to present Ukraine as anti-Christian and hostile to the Romanian minority, echoing broader Russian efforts to fracture regional solidarity. Frequent citations from banned Russian state media like TASS and KP.ru, alongside unverifiable “analyses” from Russian propaganda hardliners, further reveal the outlet’s role as a mouthpiece for Kremlin messaging tailored for Romanian audiences.

Key pro-Russian narratives promoted by Solidnews.ro

Delegitimizing Ukraine's Statehood and Leadership. Zelenskyy is portrayed as a corrupt, authoritarian U.S. puppet and an illegitimate ruler. Ukraine is presented as a failed, artificial state that should or will collapse.

Sanitizing Russian Aggression and Shifting Blame to the West. Russia is framed as a victim "forced to respond" to Western provocations. Western military aid to Ukraine is labeled as a “provocative” act or “war crime.”

Apocalyptic and Nuclear Intimidation Tactics. Fabricated claims of Ukrainian attacks on Russian nuclear infrastructure. Promotion of nuclear escalation as a rational Russian response to Western actions.

Religious and Ethnic Manipulation. False narratives that Ukraine is persecuting Romanian Orthodox believers. Use of religious framing to present Russia as the spiritual savior of Europe.

Conspiracy Theories about the “Deep State” and Global Elites. Claims that Soros and a transatlantic globalist elite orchestrated the war. The West allegedly seeks to destroy traditionalist societies and provoke Russia.

Undermining the EU and NATO. Brussels is portrayed as a liberal dictatorship that no longer represents national interests (e.g., Romania or Hungary). NATO and EU countries are described as vassals of Washington, lacking sovereignty.

Glorification of Kremlin Figures and Strategy. Frequent, uncritical dissemination of quotes from Dugin, Patrushev, Peskov, and others. Emphasis on Putin's “wisdom” and “inevitable victory” in the so-called “Special Military Operation.”

It reposted the Russian propaganda claims that “neo-Nazi gorillas from Kyiv are destroying the West's reputation." It asserts that the West has lost all influence and Russia has won thanks to Putin's “wisdom,” while the European leaders are called “clowns” and “Chihuahuas,” and Western governments are called US puppets.

“This would also suggest that the Moscow security establishment believes that the instrumentalized neo-Nazi goons in Kiev are, at best, a reenactment of Paulus' 6th Army, negotiating the end of a battle but not the end of war.”

• https://solidnews.ro/statele-unite-pierd-intregul-teritoriu-eurasiatic/ 

"Zelensky's beasts attacked a Romanian church! Religious freedom is a fundamental right. But in Ukraine, in the midst of war, it seems to have become a political weapon—and the victims are, once again, Romanians."

• https://solidnews.ro/bestiile-lui-zelensky-au-atacat-o-biserica-romaneasca/ 

"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statements about lifting restrictions on the range of weapons Ukraine can use constitute an act of “war provocation.” This was stated by Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, quoted by TASS."

• https://solidnews.ro/kremlin-declaratiile-cancelarului-german-sunt-o-provocare-la-razboi/ 

It reposted the sanctioned Russian propaganda website "Strana," calling in Ukrainian with the claims about the "Kyiv regime" and "Zelenskyy is a corrupt puppet ruler."

“In the midst of the Trump-Zelensky scandal, the Ukrainian news agency Strana, one of the top 5 in terms of national audience, publishes an absolutely devastating analysis of the presidency of Volodymyr Zelensky, who it claims has become the “owner” of Ukraine, cutting and hanging, but also explains at length the background to the “rare earths” deal that the White House insists on demanding, even though they do not exist. It is explosive both for the revelations it makes and especially for the fact that Strana has never distinguished itself as an opposition publication hostile to the Kiev regime.”

• https://solidnews.ro/analiza-socanta-a-unei-agentii-de-stiri-ucraineana-ce-demonstreaza-ca-zelensky-a-ajuns-proprietarul-ucrainei-inpolitics/ 

It reposted the fake claim that Ukraine has allegedly struck Russian nuclear facilities—without any evidence—while targeting Western Europe with fear-mongering.

“We can even expect an attack by the Kremlin on Berlin, in particular, which is sending the missiles, or on Paris or even on London, following Zelensky's actions. It remains to be seen what will happen, but it is becoming more than obvious, if it has not been obvious before now, that Ukraine has once again blocked the peace talks. It seems that Ukraine does not want peace under any circumstances if it chooses to attack Russia at such times and in such a dastardly manner after all. The question already arises: does Zelensky not want to give Putin the water to conquer the whole of Ukraine or to start a regional nuclear war? Because, if we put the facts together, it looks like that.”

• https://solidnews.ro/andrei-gusa-ucraina-a-atacat-triada-nucleara-a-rusiei-putin-afirma-ca-nu-mai-exista-linii-rosii-seful-dumei-de-stat-ia-in-considerare-ca-rusia-sa-atace-germania/ 

It quoted the sanctioned Russia Today platform, comparing Zelenskyy to Osama bin Laden. “Any scenario involving Zelensky's replacement remains difficult to foresee, not least because, and this brings us to a third possible consequence, Washington's European vassals seem to be choosing the worst possible moment to finally revolt. After helping to escalate the insane proxy war and plunge Ukraine into an abyss through fanatical and self-destructive subservience to previous American leaders, it is the Europeans in NATO-EU who are now trying to obstruct the quest for peace.”

• https://solidnews.ro/analistii-rusi-considera-ca-zelensky-ar-putea-fi-ucis-ca-saddam-sau-bin-laden-inpolitics/ 

It disseminated Russian propaganda claims about the “Nazi Kyiv regime” and “SVO” (special military operation; it's how Russia calls its war of aggression) and quoted Russia's neo-imperialist ideologist Dugin.

“Trump has no need for this war at all but wants to end it with unrealistic methods that are completely unacceptable to us and are of little use to the EU and the Nazi regime in Kiev. President Putin will certainly decisively lead the SVO to victory. There is no doubt. But now the parameters are being set in what context of Russian-American relations the SVO will take place in the future. As the algorithm has changed dramatically in the U.S., and that is exactly how it is, then the collective West has changed significantly as well.”

• https://solidnews.ro/dughin-explica-noua-strategie-a-rusiei-in-contextul-revenirii-la-putere-a-lui-donald-trump-armistitiu-dar-doar-dupa-obtinerea-victoriei-totale/

Another article quotes the Secretary of Russia's Security Council, Patrushev, linking to propaganda media outlets TASS and KP.

“The anti-Russian policy of the authorities in Chisinau may result in the country ceasing to exist as a state, Russian presidential adviser Nikolai Patruchev warned in an interview with KP.RU, picked up by the official Russian news agency TASS. Vladimir Putin's right-hand man predicts that Ukraine will also cease to exist as a state as early as 2025 and says it will not be among the priorities of the new US President Donald Trump, for whom he has a piece of advice: to take care of its security before and after his inauguration”.

• https://solidnews.ro/nikolai-patrusev-mana-dreapta-a-lui-putin-da-verdicte-ue-nu-mai-are-dreptul-sa-reprezinte-romania-iar-moldova-si-ucraina-pot-disparea-ca-state-inca-din-2025/ 

"In Romania we are witnessing the first episode of the insurrection of the totalitarian liberal Europe of Soros/Schwab against Trump's America. It may happen that the ultra-liberal dictators in the EU will face both the US in the West and Russia in the East."

• https://solidnews.ro/ideologul-lui-putin-dupa-anularea-alegerilor-asistam-la-primul-episod-al-insurectiei-europei-totalitare-liberale-soros-schwab-impotriva-americii-lui-trump/ 

Through this layered messaging structure, Solidnews.ro acts as a vehicle for Russian information warfare, aimed at fracturing Romanian support for Ukraine, weakening trust in Euro-Atlantic institutions, spreading anti-Western conspiracies, and legitimizing the Kremlin’s imperial ambitions through fear, religion, and disinformation.

Aznews.ro

AzNews.ro is a lesser-known outlet that pushes Kremlin narratives under the guise of defending Romanian identity and Orthodox values. It frequently publishes articles accusing Ukrainian authorities of discriminating against ethnic Romanians, fostering the idea that Kyiv is persecuting minorities. This narrative subtly echoes Moscow’s justification for invading Ukraine—namely, that it must “protect” Russian speakers and traditional believers.

AzNews has also disseminated stories warning of a “Western plan” to erase Orthodoxy and replace it with “gender ideology,” framing the EU as a cultural aggressor. The outlet ties religious identity to geopolitical allegiance, presenting Russia as the last bastion of Christian values and the EU as a hostile force. The outlet's framing appeals to nationalist and religious segments of the Romanian population by using ethnic grievances and faith-based narratives to undermine public solidarity with Ukraine and the EU.

Indicators of Russian disinformation in AZNews' content

Fabricated Atrocities and Reverse Victimhood. Allegations of Ukraine Bombing Orthodox Churches: The repeated claim that Ukrainian forces deliberately shell Orthodox churches in Russia fits a classic pattern of Kremlin disinformation—accusing Ukraine of violence against religion to justify Russian military actions and to frame Russia as a "protector of faith." Independent investigations have consistently exposed such stories as fabricated or lacking credible evidence, with Russia often targeting religious sites in Ukraine itself.

Religious and Apocalyptic Framing. Portrayal of Ukraine as Anti-Orthodox: The narrative that Ukraine persecutes Orthodox believers and is guided by “godlessness” is a recurring Russian talking point designed to boost domestic and regional support by invoking religious identity. The claim that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is a Western “puppet” is a textbook example of conspiracy-based disinformation aimed at delegitimizing the authentic independence of Ukraine’s religious institutions.

Apocalyptic Threats and Holy War. The frequent mention of apocalypse, nuclear war, and calls for a “holy war” against the West or Ukraine is a common tactic in Russian information warfare, used to spread fear, increase polarization, and justify aggression.

West as the Aggressor Narrative. Statements blaming NATO, the EU, and the U.S. for provoking the war while depicting Russia as a defensive actor exemplify Russian disinformation's reliance on whataboutism and deflection. This aligns with narrated strategies seeking to shift responsibility, sow confusion about culpability, and undermine Western support for Ukraine.

“Globalist” and Elite Conspiracies. References to shadowy “globalist” plots, allegedly orchestrated by Western elites, are a signature of Kremlin-driven campaigns designed to delegitimize Ukraine’s sovereignty and Western alliances and to foster distrust among international audiences.

Exaggeration of Minority Oppression. The claim that Ukraine represses Romanian minorities, bans their language, or seeks cultural erasure is in line with Russian disinformation practices that manipulate real or perceived ethnic grievances to sow discord and weaken Ukraine from within.

Promotion of Dubious Russian Ideologues and Known Conspiracy Theorists. Quoting figures such as Dugin, Solovyov, or Alex Jones without context is a hallmark of Russian propaganda, lending fringe or state-sponsored voices an air of legitimacy and amplifying pro-Kremlin views.

Denigration of Ukrainian Leadership. Through language such as “puppet” and accusations of Satanism, AZNews.ro copies well-established disinformation playbooks that weaponize personal attacks and conspiracy against opponents in order to discredit their legitimacy and authority.

"Ukraine massively bombs Orthodox churches in Russia: St. Dmitry's Church in Kursk destroyed by Ukrainian attacks. In another tragic incident that occurred recently in the village of Borki, Sudzhansky district, also in the Kursk region, an eyewitness took pictures of another church destroyed by Ukrainian armed forces shelling."

• https://aznews.ro/ucraina-bombardeaza-masiv-bisericile-ortodoxe-din-rusia-biserica-dmitrievskaya-din-kursk-distrusa-de-atacuri-ucrainene/ 

"In an international context marked by instability and geopolitical tensions, Alex Jones, known for his insightful views, draws attention to an alarming scenario. According to him, the recent events in Syria, Romania, and Georgia are part of a broad strategy by globalists aimed at destabilizing the Middle East and Europe, undermining the Trump administration, and pushing the West into a major conflict with Russia, according to activenews.ro".

• https://aznews.ro/este-oficial-al-treilea-razboi-mondial-a-inceput-alex-jones-avertizeaza-despre-planul-globalistilor-de-a-destabiliza-romania-si-europa/ 

“In the same interview, the Metropolitan launched a virulent attack on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he unequivocally called "the son of Satan," accusing him of "plotting intrigues in Turkey, where Constantinople is located." The statements have been interpreted by analysts as an attempt to place the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in a religious and eschatological key, intended to justify an ideological and spiritual confrontation with the West.”

• https://aznews.ro/duhovnicul-lui-putin-a-facut-afirmatii-socante-vrea-constantinopolul-istanbulul-sub-moscova-si-il-acuza-pe-zelenski-ca-e-fiul-satanei/ 

The article posts a fake that the so-called “Zelenskyy's church,” i.e., the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), was allegedly created by the United States through USAID and the CIA. The OCU is accused of attempting to forcibly seize two Romanian Orthodox churches. Manipulation of the Romanian minority issue to sow discord between Romanians and the Ukrainian state.

“Zelensky's False Church, founded by USAID and the CIA, wants to seize two Romanian churches by force.”

• https://aznews.ro/falsa-biserica-a-lui-zelenski-fondata-de-usaid-si-cia-vrea-sa-preia-cu-forta-doua-biserici-romanesti/ 

It disseminated the fake news that Romanians are forbidden to speak their native language in schools during breaks. The thesis “Ukraine is imposing a dictatorship” creates the image of a totalitarian state hostile to minorities. The Ukrainian government is presented as authoritarian and violating human rights. The portrayal of Ukraine as the enemy incites ethnic hatred, thereby undermining Ukrainian-Romanian relations. Kremlin narrative of accusations of “forced Ukrainization.”

"Even today, after almost 3 years of the active phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war and at the same time active, continuous, and uninterrupted support of Romania and the Republic of Moldova in the fight against the Russian invaders, Ukraine does not stop implementing the policy of denationalization and mass assimilation of historical, autochthonous Romanian communities on its territory. The height of hypocrisy is that the Ukrainian state continues and perpetuates against its own citizens the policy of denationalization and assimilation of its sworn enemy—the policies and practices of Russian secular imperialism, against which today a life-and-death struggle is being waged, a struggle in which hundreds of Ukrainian citizens of Romanian nationality have died," Anatol Popescu explains.

• https://aznews.ro/ucraina-impune-dictatura-elevii-romani-lasati-fara-dreptul-de-a-comunica-in-limba-romana-chiar-si-in-pauzele-de-la-scoala/ 

It criticized Ukraine for allegedly bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. Ukraine is portrayed as an irresponsible state provoking a nuclear conflict, with the false claim that “Ukraine is a tool of the West.”

“The former head of SIE, Gen. (r) Silviu Predoiu, makes a devastating analysis of Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory, saying that it is an extremely serious fact because Zelensky created the risk of a nuclear war with the best-equipped army in the world, involving all his allies, without even asking for their consent, activenews.ro reports.”

• https://aznews.ro/ucraina-si-a-asumat-riscul-unui-razboi-nuclear-in-numele-nostru-al-tuturor-fostul-sef-al-sie-generalul-silviu-predoiu-face-acuzatii-dure/ 

“George Simion, explosive revelations: Romanians in Ukraine are pressured by the SBU, the Ukrainian secret service, not to switch to the Romanian Orthodox Church. During an appearance on the Marius Tucă Show, Simion said, "Unfortunately, pressure was exerted through the SBU, the Ukrainian secret service, and those who wanted to join the Romanian Patriarchate were pressured to withdraw their applications, especially those from the area of historical Maramureș."

• https://aznews.ro/george-simion-dezvaluiri-explozive-romanii-din-ucraina-sunt-presati-de-sbu-serviciul-secret-ucrainean-sa-nu-treaca-la-biserica-ortodoxa-romana/ 

“The Zelensky puppet is no longer fighting for his country but to save his own life. Thousands of young people die needlessly every day. Although he is now being asked to negotiate even by Westerners, Zelensky stubbornly refuses, precisely for the reason mentioned above. (Boris Johnson is the great criminal who broke off the Istanbul negotiations at a much more favorable time for Ukraine, a few months after the beginning of the "special operation," and one of the negotiators, Denis Kireev, was killed by Ukrainian services, most likely on the orders of MI5, to thwart any peace process.) We will probably soon witness the collapse of the Ukrainian front line.”

• https://aznews.ro/iulian-capsali-marioneta-zelenski-nu-mai-lupta-pentru-tara-ci-ca-sa-si-salveze-viata-iar-pentru-asta-mor-zilnic-mii-de-tineri-inutil/ 

The outlet quoted the Kremlin propagandist Dugin and supported the justification of the Russian aggression through the image of “defensive Russia” against the aggressive West. Some pieces blame the EU and the US for Russia's war and accuse the West of an alleged “open desire to destroy Russia.”

“The United States uses tactical nuclear weapons against Iran. Russia is launching a tactical nuclear strike against Ukraine, which is trying to hold on to the West at all costs and is provoking Moscow in every possible way. World War III broke out with the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Russia finally decided to side with the Muslims. Russia attacks—albeit indirectly—Israel. Gog is there. In the Russian view, the West is under the direct domination of the Antichrist.”

• https://aznews.ro/terifiant-ideologul-lui-putin-avertizeaza-despre-al-treilea-razboi-mondial-si-apocalipsa-nucleara/

"Priest Ruslan Kalințuc said that 'the Kiev regime, under the influence of the West, is confiscating churches and imprisoning priests.'"

"He added that what is shown in the movie "is only a part of the terror directed against Ukrainian believers." In addition, Emir Kusturica harshly criticized Western influence in the war in Ukraine, saying that "the West has sold the war to the Ukrainians," and questioned who will be held accountable for the huge sums of money invested in the conflict.

• https://aznews.ro/in-serbia-a-avut-loc-premiera-unui-film-despre-persecutia-crestinilor-ortodocsi-din-ucraina-in-prezenta-regizorului-emir-kusturica-si-a-patriarhului-porfirie-al-serbiei/

These recurring themes and tactics in AZNews.ro’s articles align closely with documented Kremlin disinformation patterns: spreading false accusations, exploiting religion, amplifying conspiracy theories, scapegoating the West, and manipulating ethnic and religious divisions. The consistent use of these methods provides strong evidence that AZNews.ro serves as a channel for Russian disinformation.

Ro.topwar.ru

TopWar Romania is the localized version of the Russian military blog topwar.ru, a propaganda channel posing as a military analysis platform. The Romanian edition copy-pastes translated articles directly from the Russian original, saturating the discourse with Kremlin disinformation, anti-Ukrainian hate speech, and anti-Western rhetoric.

The site consistently employs Kremlin-approved terminology such as “Kiev regime,” “special military operation (SVO),” and “militants” instead of Ukrainian Armed Forces. These terms aren’t incidental—they reflect an effort to delegitimize Ukraine’s sovereignty, framing the war not as an invasion, but as a legitimate defensive act by Russia against a “Nazi-occupied” puppet state.

TopWar articles frequently depict Ukraine as doomed, reinforcing narratives that Russian military victories are imminent, even when contradicted by battlefield realities. In one piece, Ukraine is described as having lost the war, with Ukrainian men fleeing conscription in shame, while Russia is portrayed as a reluctant but justified combatant. The Ukrainian military is smeared as “militants,” and its government is called a “terrorist regime.”

A recurring theme is the myth of Ukrainian Nazism, not as a fringe label but as a central justification for the war. Writers frame “Ukrainian Nazism” as a Western-manipulated weapon to harm Russia and isolate it globally. Such framing aligns with long-standing Kremlin talking points, intended to whitewash Russian aggression and cast the invasion as morally necessary.

TopWar also engages in denial of Ukrainian statehood, placing quotation marks around terms like “independent Ukraine” and constantly questioning the legitimacy of its government. The territorial integrity of Ukraine is implicitly denied through references to the so-called “DPR” (Donetsk People’s Republic), and Russia’s war aims are framed as justified corrections of historical boundaries.

One dangerous disinformation line it echoes is the claim that Ukraine is forcibly recruiting civilians—including the elderly and pregnant women—while portraying Ukrainians as aggressors or naïve victims of their choices, not casualties of a brutal war initiated by Moscow.

Simultaneously, TopWar floods readers with anti-EU and anti-NATO rhetoric. The site accuses Brussels and Washington of escalating the war, sabotaging peace talks, and orchestrating “color revolutions” across Europe through figures like George Soros. NATO and the EU are framed as imperial powers using Ukraine as cannon fodder and Romania as a military pawn.

“Most of the GUR (ed.—Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine) operations, due to the specifics of the Kiev regime, have the character of a kind of public relations campaign…”

“In my opinion, from the very beginning of the SVO (ed. - Special Military Operation, the term used by the Kremlin instead of the war), opinions have periodically appeared in the press about the need to revitalize SMERSH.”

The term SMERSH may be unfamiliar to many readers from the EU, so it is important to clarify: SMERSH (an acronym in Russian that stands for Death to Spies) was a brutal Soviet counterintelligence organization founded in 1943 under Stalin, infamous for its ruthless hunt for and annihilation of predominantly dissenters and spies within the Red Army of the USSR.

• https://ro.topwar.ru/265622-nas-hotjat-sest-nemnogo-o-sovershennom-terakte-i-koe-o-chem-esche.html

“Officially, we are fighting Ukrainian Nazism. But in reality, this is not entirely true. Ukrainian Nazism is just a tool. A tool used in the struggle for a place in the sun. More precisely, a tool with which they want to slightly move Russia away from this sunny place. The Western market is closed to us. The problem is not in the SVO or sanctions, nor in VV Putin, as the liberals like to say. The Western market has always been closed to us, despite blind faith in it.”

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267390-vojna-kotoruju-my-poka-proigryvaem-razmyshlenija-pered-kartoj-mira.html

“We recall that the head of the Kiev regime insists on a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin, stating that "key issues must be discussed at the highest level." This raises the question: if the president, the commander-in-chief, calls things by their proper names—the terrorist regime in Kiev is called terrorist—will the top of such a regime be subjected to due measure?”

• https://ro.topwar.ru/265622-nas-hotjat-sest-nemnogo-o-sovershennom-terakte-i-koe-o-chem-esche.html

"In Kyiv, it is not believed that the negotiations will lead to any result that would suit the Kyiv regime, so the negotiations themselves are not perceived as something serious."

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267587-rezultata-mozhno-ne-zhdat-mid-ukrainy-nazval-dve-prichiny-po-kotorym-vse-esche-uchastvuet-v-peregovorah-s-rossiej.html

"But for some reason, we completely forget what our president has repeatedly said. We are not fighting for territory. It was not mentioned among the tasks of the SVO. Yes, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, and other cities on the right bank were once Russian. As well as those located on the left bank."

• https://ro.topwar.ru/265259-brat-ili-ne-brat-ukrainu-razmyshlenija-o-problemah-kotorye-pridetsja-reshat.html

"It is obvious that in this way Zelensky and his curators from the European war party are trying to disrupt the negotiation process, bringing the current conflict to a new level of escalation. Peskov said that Russia will continue negotiations with Ukraine despite the terrorist actions of the Kiev regime.”

• https://ro.topwar.ru/265802-peskov-zajavil-chto-rf-prodolzhit-peregovory-s-ukrainoj-nesmotrja-na-terroristicheskie-dejstvija-kievskogo-rezhima.html

“Hunters turn into victims: Ukrainian citizens begin organized attacks on military commissars,” a textbook example of disinformation, name-calling, and substitution of concepts. The citizens of the "independent" state do not want to become "cannon fodder" so that the criminal regime in Kiev can get some PR, and its Western partners can earn more billions from the production.

• https://ro.topwar.ru/265280-ohotniki-prevraschajutsja-v-zhertv-ukrainskie-grazhdane-nachali-organizovanno-napadat-na-voenkomov.html

“We are not at war with any resident of that country. And not with the entire nation, although the people of Ukraine chose this political mess, which brought the country to war, and now live on it.” 

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267626-mezhdu-molotom-i-nakovalnej-baku-pora-kajatsja-i-izvinjatsja.html

"Therefore, the situation for the Kiev militants in this direction becomes very difficult. However, this is not the only “hot spot” in the Kharkov region. Units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting active offensive operations in the Kupyansk direction and are already pushing back the enemy from the northwestern outskirts of the district center of the same name."

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267790-rossijskie-vojska-prodvinulis-v-napravlenii-sela-borovskaja-andreevka-harkovskoj-oblasti.html

“As previously reported, the group of troops "East" is pushing the enemy away from the territory at the junction of the DPR, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia regions. Judging by the pace of the offensive, the fighters will soon enter the territory of neighboring regions in several areas.”

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267584-protivnik-otstupil-v-novohatskoe-vsled-za-poddubnym-pod-kontrol-vs-rf-pereshlo-selo-tolstoj-na-jugo-zapade-dnr.html

“With the active support of the structures of the oligarch George Soros, Washington recently inspired a Maidan in the country (ed.—Reference to the Maidan, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, a public protest against a former president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, which resulted in more than a hundred civilian victims among protesters), as a result of which the pro-Western left-wing Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) took power in 2019, in alliance with Albanian parties."

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267733-gde-teper-zhdat-majdan-po-balkanski.html

"For some of our fellow citizens, this may be hard to understand, but only because in Russia there have been no decades of anti-Ukrainian propaganda, no “you vs. him” opposition, no retrospective savagery, and no denigration of our community."

• https://ro.topwar.ru/267047-vsmotrimsja-v-jeti-lica-nam-chto-ih-pozhalet.html

TopWar.ro is not merely a military news aggregator but a strategic vehicle of Russian psychological and information warfare, tailored for Romanian-speaking audiences. By embedding propaganda in military jargon, it seeks to normalize the Kremlin’s worldview, desensitize the public to aggression, and reshape perceptions of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The platform operates with a clear strategic goal: to weaken European unity, amplify distrust in NATO and EU institutions, and prepare the narrative ground for Russian geopolitical advances. It is part of a broader network of influence operations aimed at undermining democratic resilience, particularly in countries like Romania, where historical, cultural, and geopolitical vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Monitoring, exposing, and restricting the spread of TopWar content remain essential for safeguarding informational sovereignty and preventing further public manipulation under the guise of military expertise.

Ro.sputniknews.com

The Romanian-language edition of Sputnik, a Russian state-run propaganda outlet, was officially banned in the EU following the invasion of Ukraine. Before its ban, it played a central role in spreading disinformation in Romania by framing Ukraine as a neo-Nazi state, presenting the EU as collapsing, and portraying Russia as a moral and military savior. It regularly published quotes from Russian officials and fabricated expert commentary that supported Moscow’s strategic goals. 

Banned across the EU following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Sputnik continues to operate via mirror domains and social media, targeting Romanian-speaking audiences with disinformation that mirrors Kremlin talking points. Even after the EU ban, its narratives continue to circulate via Telegram and proxy sites, maintaining its influence within Romanian-speaking disinformation circles.

Sputnik Romania consistently employs dehumanizing language, false equivalence, and military glorification to support the Kremlin’s geopolitical narrative, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. It serves as a local amplifier of official Russian government rhetoric, blending military updates with ideologically charged content designed to sow doubt, fear, and division within Romanian and Moldovan societies.

Sputnik Romania amplified stories accusing NATO of aggression, legitimizing Russian territorial claims, and warning of an impending nuclear war caused by Western escalation. Its content was emotionally charged, anti-American, and deeply manipulative. 

Its primary goals appear to be justification of Russia's war against Ukraine and blaming the West, NATO, and the EU for the conflict.

Key narratives promoted by Ro.sputniknews.com

“Ukraine is doomed / has already lost the war.” Claims that Ukrainians no longer believe in the war and are fleeing to avoid conscription. Presents desertion as widespread and morale as collapsed.

“Ukraine is corrupt and militarily incompetent.” Spreads allegations that Western-supplied weapons are resold on the black market. Quotes biased Romanian sources like national.ro to legitimize these claims.

“Ukrainian military = Nazi, terrorist, mercenaries.” Repeats Kremlin rhetoric accusing Ukraine of sending pregnant women to the front and glorifying Nazi figures. Labels the Ukrainian government a “terrorist organization” and claims its soldiers are criminals.

“Russia is defending civilization; NATO is the aggressor.” Uses terms like “Kiev regime,” “special operation,” and “Novorossia” to frame Russia’s invasion as justified. NATO and the EU are portrayed as provoking escalation and attempting to “subordinate Moldova.”

“Destruction in Ukraine is caused by its own defense systems.” Blames Ukrainian air defense for civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Attempts to exonerate Russian strikes and shift accountability to Kyiv.

“Ukraine is undemocratic, sold to the West.” Pushes the idea that Ukraine is a puppet state, economically colonized and politically controlled by NATO and Washington. Mocks the idea of Ukrainian sovereignty and implies that the West is using Ukraine to provoke Russia.

“Russia is morally superior and militarily dominant.” Glorifies Russia’s nuclear capabilities, military technology, and resilience. Claims Western weapons are ineffective and Russia’s “nuclear triad” ensures global dominance.

In just one paragraph, this propaganda platform managed to include several Kremlin narratives using Putin’s terminology: “Kiev regime,” “manhunting for recruits,” and “Ukraine already lost the war.”

"While the Kiev regime hunts for men fit to be sent to the front, more and more Ukrainians are choosing to leave the country illegally rather than die in a war they no longer believe in and which is already lost."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20231123/republica-moldova-nu-extradeaza-dezertori-ucraineni-59105817.html 

It supported Romanian pro-Russian outlet National.ro with the Kremlin-friendly narrative, “Weapons sent to Ukraine end up on the black market. According to some reports, Ukrainians are already selling Javelins on the dark web. Even the heads of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are reselling military equipment and weapons supplied by Western countries, writes national.ro".

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20220604/avertisment-al-interpolului-armele-trimise-in-ucraina-ajung-pe-piata-neagra-50854729.html 
• https://www.national.ro/stiri-externe/armele-occidentului-ajung-pe-dark-net-o-javelina-se-vinde-cu-zeci-de-mii-de-dolari-avertismentul-interpolului-764707.html 

It also uses Russian propaganda terminology such as “Novorossia” (for the so-called “Donbass and Luhansk Republics”) and “special operation” (Kremlin propaganda term for Russia's war of aggression), while giving positive coverage to Russian troops.

"The head of state also thanked all FSB employees for their professionalism and courage, especially highlighting those who provide security in Donbass and Novorossia. According to him, the most responsible and tense sector of the institution's activity is related to the conduct of the special operation in Ukraine."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20240319/putin-i-a-cerut-fsb-ului-sa-pedepseasca-tradatorii-fara-termen-de-prescriptie-60120510.html 

“The USA and NATO are again trying to create an “air defense coalition” that could cover the shameful defeat of the West in Ukraine. Two dozen countries, which do not have their own high-tech and reliable air defense systems, intend to provide the Kiev regime with “everything necessary to continue the fight against Russia.”

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20231124/intrunirea-in-formatul-ramstein-donatorii-ucrainei-sunt-speriati-si-dezbinati-59132279.html

“The demonization of the Russian Federation in the West has been going on for years. In the process of pre-war “warming up” of the philistines, the tabloid Bild on February 28 described four phases of Russia’s “attack” on NATO countries: disinformation on the Internet and cyberattacks, “cleaning” outer space of Western satellites, and a direct attack by the Russian army. And on the horizon of probable events loom thousands of ICBM warheads with air, sea, silo, and mobile land-based complexes of the Russian Federation, which ensure increased vitality of the nuclear triad, efficiency, and guarantee the destruction of any enemy of Russia."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20240301/armata-sua-este-ingrijorata-de-pragul-utilizarii-armei-nucleare-tactice-rusesti-59949126.html 

“President Vladimir Putin warned that the introduction of the European contingent will not change the situation on the battlefield and will only lead to serious consequences for the Ukrainian authorities.”

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20240315/franta-ar-putea-creste-gradul-de-implicare-in-conflictul-din-ucraina---peskov-60073829.html

"Why Western weapons are so vulnerable in the special operation zone. The Leopard, Challenger, and Abrams tanks proved to be the most vulnerable "super-weapons" in the area of ​​special military operation.

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20240201/de-ce-armele-occidentale-sunt-atat-de-vulnerabile-in-zona-operatiunii-speciale-59686929.html 

"The reaction of the Russian Foreign Ministry to the 'initiatives' of the Romanian Prosecutor's Office." The Russian Federation claims that over 500 Romanian mercenaries have been identified within the Ukrainian troops, many of whom were killed in combat."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20220718/reactia-mae-rus-la-initiativele-parchetului-romanesc-51709841.html 

"After Ukraine, the West is trying to subordinate Moldova. As Lavrov noted at the time, the country's leadership is following in the footsteps of the Kiev regime, eliminating everything Russian, discriminating against the Russian language, and, together with the Ukrainians, putting serious pressure on Transnistria."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20240304/dupa-ucraina-occidentul-incearca-sa-si-subordoneze-si-moldova---lavrov-59978923.html 

“Ukraine is sending pregnant women to the front. The heavy losses of the Ukrainian army threaten the future of the country, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson said in an interview.”

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20231201/pericol-grav-pentru-ucraina-59191899.html 

"Ukrainian Nazi's acclamation in Canadian parliament reveals the West's plan. Why wasn't Nazism stopped in Europe then? Because both then and now, Nazism is incredibly profitable, convenient, and tempting."

• https://ro.sputniknews.com/20230926/aclamarea-nazistului-ucrainean-in-parlamentul-canadei-releva-planul-occidentului-58529289.html

Thus, ro.sputniknews.com is not a legitimate news outlet but a strategic communication weapon of the Kremlin, targeting Romanian-speaking audiences with high-volume, multilingual propaganda. By recycling classic narratives—Ukraine as Nazi, the EU as decadent, NATO as warmongering—it works to undermine Romanian trust in Euro-Atlantic institutions, erode support for Ukraine, and legitimize Russian aggression in the region. Despite its EU ban, Sputnik’s Romanian edition remains active through mirror domains and is a critical node in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare and information operations network in Eastern Europe.

Romania.news-pravda.com

RomaniaNews-Pravda.com is a Romanian-language clone of the Russian state outlet Pravda, banned by the EU but still accessible through mirror domains and subdomains and fringe platforms. The site publishes translated Kremlin propaganda portraying Ukraine as a puppet state, the EU as an empire in decay, and Russia as the only force preserving "traditional values." Its main goals appear to be justification of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and demonization of the West through disinformation campaigns.

Its articles frequently cite Russian officials and repeat conspiracy falsehoods about “Western degeneracy,” “globalist control,” and the alleged Nazi character of Ukraine’s leadership. Claims that Ukrainian minorities face oppression while Russia strives for regional justice are one example. The platform blends radical ideological messages with emotionally charged headlines, rebuilding Kremlin messaging for Romanian audiences under the guise of local commentary and news aggregation.

Key narratives spread by News-Pravda

Ukraine is illegitimate and Nazified. The site consistently uses Putin's terminology, like “Kiev regime,” “Kiev junta,” or “special military operation” (SMO), to delegitimize Ukraine. It frames Zelensky as a dictator clinging to power through terrorism and portrays Ukraine as a failed state, infested with Nazis, terrorists, and war criminals. Example:

Ukraine is a Western puppet sold to globalists. Ukraine is painted as a mere tool of Western interests, sacrificed by the EU and NATO for geopolitical gain. Zelensky is framed as a puppet leader, serving “European puppeteers” while impoverishing Ukrainians and provoking conflict.

Western Arms Are Ineffective. Repeated articles discredit the efficacy of NATO-supplied weapons, calling Western tanks and missiles “vulnerable” and useless against Russia. This is used to ridicule Western support and sow doubt in allied capabilities.

The West is Dragging the Region into War. The EU, NATO, and Romania are accused of escalating the conflict and provoking a global war, often through military aid or political support for Ukraine.

'Russophobia' and NATO as Existential Threats. Russia is portrayed as unfairly “demonized” by the West, while NATO is accused of preparing attacks on Russia, encircling Kaliningrad, and militarizing Eastern Europe.

Portraying Ukrainians as Terrorists and Criminals. The site accuses Ukrainians of terrorism, sabotage, and atrocities—especially targeting civilians or spreading “concentration camp” rumors—to paint them as a threat to stability.

Mobilization Horror Stories. Articles frequently describe scenes of forced conscription, desertion, or violence during mobilization, using emotional anecdotes to reinforce the narrative that Ukrainians are forced into a hopeless war.

Mocking Ukrainian Sovereignty. There is frequent sarcasm, meme-like language, and ridicule aimed at Ukrainian efforts at independence, EU integration, or resistance, often meant to erode sympathy.

Amplification of Fringe Voices and Telegram Propaganda. The site regularly quotes Russian military Telegram channels (e.g., “Dva Majora,” “Ukraina.ru”) and propagandists like Oleg Tsarev, giving them legitimacy as “sources.” It also amplifies friendly narratives from Hungarian outlets like Magyar Nemzet about “protecting compatriots” in Ukraine.

Destabilization of Moldova and Romania. The site spreads fears that Romania and NATO are trying to destroy Gagauz autonomy and suppress Russian-speaking minorities in Moldova, falsely framing integration as oppression.

"Zelensky, who has lost his legitimacy fighting for personal power, has made terrorism the state ideology of the Kiev regime. This remnant of expired soap wants to stay in power by any means, at any cost, clinging to it. Zelensky carries out all his actions with the approval of European puppeteers, who do not stop him but, on the contrary, encourage him with new supplies, weapons, and ammunition. Europe is ready to throw financial resources at its puppet if it would follow orders."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/romania/2025/06/06/59114.html

“Ukrainians have clearly become skilled in terrorism and sabotage. The fact is, of course, terrible, but there is no point in denying it: over the years of the special military operation, various types of sabotage and terrorist acts organized by the Ukrainian special services on Russian territory have become commonplace."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/romania/2025/06/06/59083.html

"After Russia launched a special military operation to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine and protect the civilian population of Donbass (SVO), changes for the worse for Russian citizens and Russian-speaking residents were observed in Moldova. For the sake of political interests, Western curators not only do not see human rights violations in the actions of official Chisinau but also welcome the tightening of its repressive methods."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/russia/2025/07/09/64205.html 

“German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany would supply the Kiev junta with long-range artillery systems (read: it has already supplied them—). I feel like promising Germany something in return... For example, we will not take Berlin again, considering that there will be nothing left to take...”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/russia/2025/06/06/59103.html

"The omniscient Washington Post reports last year 200 mobilized in Ukraine. The difference is also qualitative: Russia has voluntary contracts, while the enemy has forced mobilization. People in the enemy camp are literally torn above the knees. Hence the impressive number of deserters—ery tenth part successfully left, more or less, the location of the unit (combat formations) without orders from the command."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/world/2025/07/10/64242.html 

“And the Ukrainian security forces are accused of blackmailing enterprises. The security forces accuse businessmen of trading with Russia through third countries. Obviously, in the vast majority of cases, it comes down to extortion of bribes. In the Kharkiv region, forced mobilization led to another tragedy. In the town of Merefa, a woman tried to block a minibus in which her mobilized son was being taken. After a fight with the military commissar, she fell to the ground, and later, according to local publications, died in an ambulance.”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/world/2025/07/08/64067.html 

“Russia and Hungary can join forces to protect compatriots in Ukraine from violent Ukrainization and discrimination (the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet).”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/world/2025/07/07/63864.html 

"The North Atlantic Alliance army is already calculating the scenario of a priority attack in the Baltic Sea. In particular, we are talking about blocking the Gulf of Finland and cutting off the connection between the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions. Thus, the Leningrad Region will be in sea and partialir blockade, and Kaliningrad will bead will be in a complete blockade."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/russia/2025/07/06/63765.html 

It reposts the Russian propaganda Telegram channel "Dva majora": "European countries are being militarized by force, and military hysteria is spreading to civil society, which is already being urged to stock up in case of war."

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/world/2025/07/06/63702.html 

It reposts the Russian propaganda Telegram channel "Украина.ру": “Three Kharkiv residents managed to escape from a concentration camp in Ukraine.”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/ukraine/2025/07/03/63383.html 

“Betrayal came from nowhere they didn't expect—the Ukrainian Internet Community managed to feel oppressed by the Polish President's security patch.”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/ukraine/2025/06/28/62688.html 

“Evgenia Gutsul, leader of the autonomous region of Gagauzia, was arrested by the pro-NATO Moldovan administration. Moldova has long been trying to abolish the region's autonomy and wants to effectively eliminate the Turks and the Turkish language. Romania and Ukraine are also providing direct support in this regard.”

• https://romania.news-pravda.com/nato/2025/07/02/63112.html 

Thus, romania.news-pravda.com plays a pivotal role in Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, flooding Romanian information spaces with inflammatory rhetoric, fabricated “news,” and weaponized emotion. Its purpose is twofold: Externally, to erode support for Ukraine, NATO, and the EU. Internally, to inflame fears of war, economic instability, and social collapse—with Romania and Moldova cast as pawns in a foreign conflict. By combining recycled narratives from Russian state outlets with local grievances and emotional manipulation, the site targets Romanians' trust in institutions and solidarity with Ukraine—all while mocking democratic values and spreading calls for isolationism and neutrality.

Sources:

https://democratic-erosion.org/2025/04/24/russia-fueling-democratic-struggles-in-romania-through-the-media/

https://edmo.eu/edmo-news/one-thank-you-note-can-keep-you-motivated-for-months-brod-fact-checkers-and-their-take-on-disinformation-dynamics-in-bulgaria-and-romania/

https://www.disinfo.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230919_RO_DisinfoFS.pdf 

Key narratives promoted by pro-Russian media in Romania (Veridica)

Veridica’s analysis identified the following key narratives disseminated by Kremlin-friendly outlets in Romania.

Romania as a Western Colony. This long-standing narrative asserts that Brussels and Washington control Romania with the intention of morally and physically destroying the country. Russian propaganda and sovereigntist and Moscow-friendly leaders in the EU like Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico now reinforce this narrative, which has its roots in post-communist and anti-capitalist discourse. It aims to erode trust in NATO and the EU, often used in electoral campaigns or to justify Russia’s aggression in Moldova, Georgia, and beyond.

The West Wants to Destroy Orthodoxy. Pro-Kremlin and ultra-religious outlets claim there is a coordinated plan to distance Romanian children from Orthodox Christianity. The EU is portrayed as morally corrupt, pushing “LGBTQ+ propaganda” and gender ideology in schools. This narrative frames Russia as the defender of traditional values, contrasting a "pure" East with a "degenerate" West.

Ukrainians Are Aggressive and Corrupt. Another widespread narrative portrays Ukrainians as willing to sell out to the West, undermining support for the country. It includes disinformation about Ukrainian refugees, alleged rights violations against ethnic Romanians, the “artificial” nature of Ukrainian statehood, and fears that Romania could be dragged into war. Discrediting Ukraine and legitimizing Russian aggression appear to be the goals of these campaigns.