Russia launches propaganda against Moldova over alleged persecution of Russian Orthodox church

This was reported by Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.

On Friday, April 18, analysts reported that Kremlin propagandists initiated a new campaign against Moldova, allegedly over oppression of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). According to the Center, this follows the detention of ROC Bishop Markel at Chișinău Airport. He claimed it was done to prevent him from traveling to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire.

“In reality, Bishop Markel arrived at the airport late and failed to complete the required security procedures, which caused him to miss his flight by 30 minutes,” the Center stated.

Russia used this incident to “demonize Moldova’s pro-European government” ahead of the parliamentary elections. At the same time, Moscow is trying to intimidate the Moldovan public with the threat of national division and the potential for military conflict similar to the war in Ukraine.

• At the end of March, it was reported that the Kremlin is using the Russian Orthodox Church to militarize the younger generation in Orthodox camps where children and teenagers are trained for the so-called sacred duty.