• Research Assistant, Moldova

Victoria Olari

Victoria Olari is a research associate for Moldova at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), where she specializes in monitoring Moldova’s information environment and countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation.

Before joining the DFRLab, Olari served as a program coordinator at the Institute for Strategic Initiatives, where she designed and managed programs on conflict resolution and confidence building, with a focus on the Transnistrian region. She also contributed to fact-checking research through DisinfoLab projects addressing disinformation across Moldova’s regions. Olari previously served as a policy advisor in the Moldovan parliament, where she spent four years advising on key legislative initiatives and gaining deep insight into Moldova’s social and political dynamics.

Fluent in three languages, Olari is passionate about cultural exchange and enjoys traveling to connect with diverse communities.

April 2024

Moldova in the digital crosshairs of anonymous, pro-Russian Telegram channels

by Givi Gigitashvili, Victoria Olari

Anonymous Telegram channels attempt to discredit Moldova’s pro-European government and amplify pro-Russian narratives
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March 2024

Unpacking the Kremlin media blitz surrounding Gagauzia leader’s Russia visit

by Victoria Olari,

Eugenia Gutul’s meeting with Vladimir Putin drives Kremlin news cycle positioning Russia as "protector" of Gagauzia and Moldova as its "oppressor"
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February 2024

US celebrities unwittingly recruited to undermine Moldova’s president

by Victoria Olari

Pro-Russian propagandists solicited US celebrities on Cameo to record videos calling for the downfall of Moldovan President Maia Sandu
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