cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/3674885
[The linked article provides a list of Russian propaganda sites with explanations.]
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Unlike in Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and even France and Germany, the list of flagged online outlets is not very long. Romanian fact-checking organizations have conducted brilliant work debunking false claims and biased pro-Kremlin reports.
In Romania, trustworthy fact-checking organizations such as Veridica have flagged many of these websites for spreading Russian-linked disinformation, conspiracy theories, and anti-EU rhetoric—all under the guise of legitimate journalism. These outlets masquerade as neutral or patriotic news sources while regularly publishing narratives that distort the truth, polarize public opinion, and support Russia's geopolitical interests.
False narratives were circulated in Romania on/by various media channels, such as Activenews, Solidnews, Național, Ortodoxinfo, etc., and via TV and radio stations (Realitatea TV, România TV, Gold FM), as identified in this research.
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Two Categories of pro-Russian and anti-Western Outlets in Romania:
Domestic pro-Russian media outlets—These are locally run platforms that portray themselves as independent or nationalist but regularly push anti-EU, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Russia messaging. They often recycle Russian propaganda narratives while embedding them in a Romanian political, religious, or cultural context. Examples include ActiveNews, National.ro, Flux24, and others.
Russian-funded outlets with Romanian editions—These are direct extensions of Kremlin-sponsored media operations, including Sputnik, Pravda, and TopWar. Despite EU bans on some of them, they persist in reaching Romanian-speaking audiences through mirrors, proxies, or Telegram channels. Their editorial lines are strictly aligned with the Kremlin’s foreign policy, and their articles are often translations or reprints from the Russian-language versions.
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Veridica’s analysis identified the following key narratives disseminated by Kremlin-friendly outlets in Romania:
Romania as a Western Colony. This long-standing narrative asserts that Brussels and Washington control Romania with the intention of morally and physically destroying the country. Russian propaganda and sovereigntist and Moscow-friendly leaders in the EU like Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico now reinforce this narrative, which has its roots in post-communist and anti-capitalist discourse. It aims to erode trust in NATO and the EU, often used in electoral campaigns or to justify Russia’s aggression in Moldova, Georgia, and beyond.
The West Wants to Destroy Orthodoxy. Pro-Kremlin and ultra-religious outlets claim there is a coordinated plan to distance Romanian children from Orthodox Christianity. The EU is portrayed as morally corrupt, pushing “LGBTQ+ propaganda” and gender ideology in schools. This narrative frames Russia as the defender of traditional values, contrasting a "pure" East with a "degenerate" West.
Ukrainians Are Aggressive and Corrupt. Another widespread narrative portrays Ukrainians as willing to sell out to the West, undermining support for the country. It includes disinformation about Ukrainian refugees, alleged rights violations against ethnic Romanians, the “artificial” nature of Ukrainian statehood, and fears that Romania could be dragged into war. Discrediting Ukraine and legitimizing Russian aggression appear to be the goals of these campaigns.