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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Polarised Party Landscape
- The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is the main Western-aligned force but faces a united block of pro-Russian parties.
- Other parties mix populism with pro-Russian leanings, leaving PAS as the sole clear pro-EU voice.
Oligarch Pulling Strings From Exile
- Ilan Shor, a young oligarch accused of stealing about $1bn, operates from Moscow and connects to Russian networks to influence Moldovan politics.
- Jack Clover reports Shor uses banks, crypto exchanges and media to meddle and is reportedly linked to the FSB.