Former U.S. ambassadors to Romania Mark Gitenstein, Adrian Zuckerman, and Jim Rosapepe share a common experience with Russian President Vladimir Putin – his invasion attempts have failed so far. However, what’s less known is that Putin recently launched a new type of aggression against Romania, this time using social media.
In 2022, Putin invaded Ukraine, but in 2024, he targeted Romania with tweets and disinformation campaigns. Despite initial failures, Putin’s focus is on the U.S., its allies, and democracy. He’s spending millions to spread manipulative content across Europe, undermining democratic institutions without resorting to traditional military means.
This new form of warfare highlights the evolving nature of modern conflicts, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing elections. As tensions escalate, it’s essential for the U.S. and its allies to recognize this threat and develop strategies to counter Putin’s disinformation campaigns.
Source: https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-invasion-ukraine-russia-romania-elections-democracy-nato-eu-donald-trump