War of propaganda: Russia calls Ukraine a ‘burden’ and uses Moldova as a ‘testing ground’ to sabotage EU enlargement

The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen a significant rise in Russian disinformation aimed at undermining EU membership aspirations for Ukraine and Moldova. Media in these countries report that false narratives circulate widely, particularly on platforms like Telegram and Facebook, claiming that EU membership would lead to loss of sovereignty and economic burdens. Moldova's deputy prime minister highlighted the persistent nature of these disinformation campaigns, which adapt to societal vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has made strides towards EU accession, having achieved candidate status and begun negotiations. However, narratives portraying Ukraine as a burden on the EU persist, complicating public perception.