The Story Russia’s next invasion could come via the ballot box
Sep 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jack Clover, Assistant Foreign News Editor at The Times, shares his wealth of knowledge from his time in Moldova and Ukraine. He dives into the high-stakes parliamentary elections, emphasizing the critical influence of Russia and local oligarchs like Ilan Shor. Jack reveals the strategic significance of Moldova's geography, the pro-Russian sentiment in regions like Gagauzia, and the impact of foreign money on the electoral process. Tensions, potential chaos, and the broader implications for European security are explored.
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Election As Geopolitical Battlefield
- Moldova's election is a geopolitical battleground where Russia aims to 'capture the country through the ballot box'.
- Jack Clover observes hybrid warfare on the ground uses narratives, cash, and disinformation rather than tanks.
On-The-Ground View Of Chișinău
- Jack Clover describes Chișinău as a modest capital with Orthodox churches and a boulevard, feeling like a small but ambitious European city.
- He found the place both exciting and slightly terrifying given the visible geopolitical tensions on the streets.
Borders Built By Empires Shape Politics
- Moldova's identity is shaped by shifting empires and Soviet-era boundary engineering, leaving mixed ethnic regions like Transnistria.
- Those Soviet-era border decisions fuel modern grievances and political fractures, says Jack Clover.