Is Russia's battle for influence spreading from Ukraine to Georgia and Moldova? | To The Point

Vladimir Putin has been openly aggressive in Ukraine for more than two years now. But his war of conquest is not confined to Ukraine. He is also clearly exerting influence in other former Soviet states as well - for instance, in Georgia and Moldova.
Georgia has passed a controversial legislation that labels non-governmental organizations as "foreign agents” leading to weeks of heavy protests. The legislation is being regarded as a copy of a similar Russian law. In Moldova - which is due to hold presidential elections and a referendum on joining the EU - later this year, Russia is being accused of targeting the public space by spreading disinformation. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is considering allowing Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian territory. So, today on To The Point, we are discussing: Is Russia's battle for influence spreading from Ukraine to Georgia and Moldova?
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#Russia #Georgia #West

[@maapaa2010]

Too many Russian bots in these comments

[@pacpac-je1ow]

🤡 DW Why are you lying? Georgia did not classify non-government organizations as foreign agents, but rather classified foreign organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from other countries, which is the same law that applies to America, Canada, and Ukraine, not just Russia.

[@maximusvaliant8597]

lies ivan account

[@maximusvaliant8597]

lies lies lies lies lies lies lies lies.. IVAN

[@maninredhelm]

So tell Georgia to copy the American or Canadian foreign agent law, not the Russian one. Then the pro-Russians will be happy because it's the exact same law and works the exact same way, right?

[@stanislav7411]

​@@maximusvaliant8597womp womp

[@maximusvaliant8597]

@@stanislav7411 Ivanski

[@preselnik7506]

Is the US of A battle for influence spreading from Ukraine to Georgia and Moldova? This seams to be the question!

[@jankowalyk7301]

RuSSian influence, Over 500,000 ruSSian orks dead and wounded in Ukraine.

[@karsten11553]

Astute of you to recognize the strengthening of democracy-promoting and anti-corruption institutions as Western influence.

[@olivergarcia2304]

@@karsten11553 Wonderful reply! :)

[@vasilimacharadze139]

By influence you mean peoples will to have democracy instead of authoritarianism like in russia, or?

[@bulthaosen1169]

​@@vasilimacharadze139didn't they win election? This is hardly people's protest. Only the side that lost.

[@SandroKartozia]

Because of some foreigners can't understand: 1. The law is not about "Transparency". All of the NGOs are already transparent and everybody can see where they are founded from. They still have to submit their expences early and every spent cent is transparent. You can still make it more transparent if you put a small correction in already existing law for Granting, not implementing a new one only for them. 2. One of the problems of the law is this: All of the NGOs that are working in Georgia and have been doing great job for Georgia's development ( Health programms, Boarder control security, Anti-corruption programm, Student exchange programms, free lawyer programms and hundrends more) have to register themselves as foreign AGENTS. And someone will say that it is okay to be called an agent, BUT in the hands of politicians ( for example - in Russia and now in Georgia) it will be used for stigmatazing all of the NGOs that oppose the goverment. And these NGO's come from partner countries. Countries that we want to join alliance with. So caling friends foreign Agents will put that in the same spot as russian/chinese organizations. So if you want use this law make it sure to use it against enemy countries : Russia/Iran/China/North Korea. 3. This is the most frightening: All of the organizations which not register themselves as Agents allows the justice house to start an investigation. Which will halt their working. Justice house will have a right to take all of the private information from the organization and also from it's clients. *private information in this case means : Phones, connected people and even sexual life. And now: All of the Organization that register themselves as Agents, but in case of "Questioning" the justice house still has the right to stop the NGO for investigetion and also allows them to take private information. All of this is written in this law. And yes I read US one also. And trust me -> it's different. No EU country has the same law as it now inplemented in Georgia. Fazit: All of the NGOs that will oppose Goverment can be stopped and will be investigated. Investigetion can last for months and it will stop the organization from working. Goverment may use the private information of people for blackmailing and so on... So in the hands of the non-EU friendly goverment it will put Georgia on the Russian radar again. And the 80% of people want to join EU. So this takes us away from EU and our choice.

[@leqsei1234]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@dchappy6985]

Protesting to allow foreign agents to interfere in your elections. Now you're thinking 😅😂

[@happymelon7129]

pay by foreign agents

[@rusnyg]

It's funny how Deutsche Welle's "experts" on Russia are always in Estonia, Latvia, Poland, but never in Russia🤣

[@netiturtle]

Russian experts are collapsing under pressure, if the stray from the 25772 page instruction manual from Ministry of Truth, its a window for them

[@wolfswinkel8906]

the most heavily propagandized puppets of the US, how convenient

[@madselmvig1457]

Maybe because Russia kidnap western journalists.

[@DaniRaj666]

Because Russian dictatorship bans free journalism. Finnish journalists and BBC's Rosenberg are still in Russia. Perhaps less critical.

[@troy66777]

Russian war criminals don’t allow free press or ANY criticism of their government in the territory of Russia. Literally can go to jail for calling war in Ukraine, a war. But you already know that, don’t you? 😏

[@diverboy70]

Sauron is scared, his orchs are not managing to defeat the elves.

[@blolee-gc1sr]

I like misinformation so much so I click this video.

[@olivergarcia2304]

Yeah, we know... you prefer Russian lies, exaggerations, blowing issues out of proportion and finger-pointing.

[@evekosvoski]

I Love this program ! Thank you DW. Brazil love you !!

[@HC20047]

Guys, you really must dial down that loud, constant, royalty-free music. I can't focus on a single word you're saying through all that.

[@Howiex-is8gq]

Russia imperialism failed in past And is failing in present. And Russia has no future Congo will be richer But then again hes trying to recolonize Africa .which will be a disater for Africa...

[@brightonboka3013]

What a shame to hear you saying such nonsense in public, who's stealing minerals in congo is it Russia? Very ignorant indeed

[@felipe-vibor]

Africa welcomes Russia with open arms. We know what the west did and continue to do in Africa especially the french. Their time is up

[@Jedi_Pimp]

If Africa could have a leader instead of greedy leaders. But Africa people don't vote

[@shinji1264]

@@felipe-vibor bahahahah

[@Shaft1367]

Whatever you're smoking 🚬 is not good for your health.

[@WarriorsDepartoutNews]

Only 2 countries ? How wester influence? Spread to more than 100 countries ?😂😂😂😂

[@vasilimacharadze139]

you wonder why democracy is more appealing than autocracy?

[@romanz9342]

@@vasilimacharadze139of course, with a nice bag of shekelz, you can make anything very appealing

[@vasilimacharadze139]

@@romanz9342 it's not about bag, but simply about the zeitgeist.. Same way in wich seduction is more appealing today, then a phisical force and a rape

[@charlesodoch6070]

We all know the impacts of Western democracy in Iraq, Libya,Syria,Yemen and now Ukraine​@@vasilimacharadze139

[@peterwong4779]

Expanding NATO military from 12 to 31 states to Russian doorstep,, War can not avoid,, So European enjoys what did you do it 🤣

[@eddastrohmayer251]

Right, if that goes on the NORTH ATLANTIC soon will reach Central Asia...

[@madamcurie-yg5sr]

So? Every one was voluntary. Russian Sovereignty ends at Russian border.

[@attilamarics3374]

@@bonnie7898 Thats not a good argument.

[@attilamarics3374]

@@madamcurie-yg5sr Its a military alliance. You cant just make offensive acts, and say "democracy" and "defensive" and act like everybody is stpid.

[@madamcurie-yg5sr]

@@attilamarics3374 I don't think you understand what the word 'offensive' means... making a defense alliance isn't offensive by definition. Nor has said alliance ever invaded Russia in its history. But they certainly could react legitimately by making their own alliances or becoming more friendly, but murdering people in other countries for merely being friends with people you dislike politically IS aggression and not legitimate.

[@jabersawaya7131]

Unfortunately we are back to appeasement of 1938 : USA and NATO played into the hands of Putin by hesitation and always one step behind in providing assistance to Ukrainian Papa Schultz did not have the stamina to face Putin

[@trogdortpennypacker6160]

1938 was dangerous times. We let Poland and Germany conquer land from the Czechs, when we should have known something was up when they both signed a pact in 1934. That is why I think a Polish attack on its neighbors will occur soon and the Germans end up trying to conquer the world again as it happens every X years it seems. Scholz I'm no worried about but I could see VDL trying to create a new reich. We must be careful, dark days are ahead of us.

[@mrunstoppable6711]

US and nato can’t stand up to Russia.

[@ionflorea2601]

Thanks USA 🇲🇩❤️🇺🇸

[@fts2663]

These people live their own fake cocoons

[@olivergarcia2304]

Yep, good description of the Russian population. Trump supporters likewise.

[@icemanzw]

Ukraine failed it's counteroffensive miserable people knew there were not going to do counter offensive any time soon. But rather try to defend their early gain which is proven difficult

[@preselnik7506]

Ukraine, and our elites have lost the war. I suggest to negotiate!

[@Jedi_Pimp]

Even Georgia wants Russia gone😂😂😂😂 Russia is a trash can fire🤣😂🤣

[@wolfswinkel8906]

Georgia passed their law already, to "avoid becoming the next Ukraine".

[@vukoman12345]

I would like to know why knowing who is and with how much money is financing foreign actress (NGO ) in the political space of Georgia is Russian meline influence. I live in the US and we have that law in the books since 1935 and nobody here nor in the EU is calling to repeal that law. In fact Russia an acted similar water down US law. How is it that pro EU crowd in Georgia have so much problems with off-shuts but not with those who originated the law. One observation, the people from Georgia interviewed for this segment speak English without accent I wander if they speak Georgian at all. Most likely they fill threaten by this law.

[@happymelon7129]

U$A has the same law , but its policy is like ... "Itself can install lock for its house , but Georgia cannot install lock to prevent/protect/defend from U$A meddling "

[@TheLivingTissue]

Who wouldn’t want their NGOs to be transparent about the origin of their funding…. What a weird debate…. The fact that Georgia is being conditioned on the accession to the EU if they pass this law is even weirder…. No wonder people are protesting

[@760HorsePower]

2 years ago Russia was finished, it was collapsing, now they the propagandists are talking about this , 🤣🤣🤣

[@patrickcowan8701]

Scary music sets the tone.

[@stereomtl9001]

- What is the US Foreign Agent Act? “The Foreign Agents Registration Act provides the public with an opportunity to be informed of the identity of persons engaging in political activities on behalf of foreign governments, foreign political parties and other foreign principals, so that their activities can be evaluated in light of their associations.” FARA requires certain agents of foreign principals who are engaged in political activities or other activities specified under the statute to make periodic public disclosure of their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts and disbursements in support of those activities. - What is the Foreign Agent registration Act UK? FIRS requires the registration of particular activities or arrangements in order to strengthen the integrity of UK politics and institutions and protect the country from state threats. FIRS does not require that activities or arrangements must be approved before they can take place.

[@J.R.Y.]

Georgia would be wealthier, happier and safer aligned with the West. Creativity and innovation thrives in open societies (Korean and Japan included).

[@stephenhill545]

Of course. Putin's Russia is a hard sell to people with internet access. Telling people you won't be nice their LGBTQ citizens doesn't appeal to balanced people.

[@Reash-i5e]

😂

[@TheTwangKings]

DW, help fight Putin's disinformation by disabling comments.

[@_Yu_Fan_]

Thank you moderators for keeping Russian trolls in the comments and removing those who oppose Pootin .....

[@ptavil]

You're delusional 😅

[@TheTwangKings]

@@_Yu_Fan_ are you being sarcastic? Comments should be disabled to thwart trolls.

[@Shaft1367]

Freedom of speech in the gutters.

[@TheMFactor-xx7cl]

@@ptavil is that the best you can do, trollski?

[@thedudeabidess]

The law in Georgia is not declaring anyone as agents but as implementers of foreign interests if the financing of these NGOs and TV stations consists of foreign funding, which is more than 20% of their financing. It encompasses declaration of financing and corresponding activities from NGOs and TV stations, which have been heavily envolved in politics, so it could be publicly available. Nothing more. It only provides administrative sanctions (fines) if declarations are not published. Much harsher laws, which provide criminal punishment, are active both in US and Russia..Law is also being adopted in France and other EU countries.. It also has been initiated in EU.. so stop spreading misinformation.. People have different oppinions in Georgia and it is natural..All oppinions must be respected.. but spreading misinformation from major platforms like yours and direct envolvement of EU officials in countries' sovernity is not right. And some incompetent Anastasias oppinions in your studio is not relevant. She is out of her element.

[@stephenhill545]

DW spreads disinformation you say. Can you provide some examples?

[@spiraboy]

Well said. Thank you ❤

[@phmai50]

No war

[@28blooddog]

Wow DW be killing it everyday! Pretty awesome reporting yo! Ty ty o7

[@Hexiad]

Four NAFO fanatics sitting around a table, talking about why America should run things... Even the "host" states definitively that Ukraine is losing because of a lack of Western weapons, rather than a lack of willing Ukrainians to fight.

[@SpecialMuppetOperation]

Has an account suspiciously created three days before the war started while having the temerity to label others as NAFO. Priceless. 🤪

[@Hexiad]

@@SpecialMuppetOperation Oh, I love this line of thinking from 'Murican dolts. Do you think bots put Trump in office too, sweety? ...

[@Hexiad]

@@SpecialMuppetOperation Oh, I love this line of thinking from low-IQ Westerners. Do you think bots swing elections too, sweety?

[@Hexiad]

@@SpecialMuppetOperation Has an account obsessed with rooting out disinfo like he's on Hilary's campaign as an intern. Priceless. P.S. Ukraine will lose. Seek peace now.

[@Hexiad]

@@SpecialMuppetOperation Has an account that reads like the CV of a Hilary intern while having the temerity to label others as bots. Priceless.

[@wilsonlopez8948]

The world is changing definitly

[@buddhakulung1910]

Ukraine already used from long time ago in Belgora region American and West weapons, it’s not really new things.

[@dammitdan106]

Misophonia. Off-click at 28 seconds.

[@taralown7023]

Why did the guy get to answer all the questions

[@elbibwen3019]

*it's Russian backyard for god sake - Russia is NOT some banana republic as you intend to report*

[@urbansenicar81]

Please, do keep me posted on this Georgian law.

[@fingerprint8479]

Congrats for the anti Russian team.

[@stephenhill545]

True. We need to fight the disinformation.

[@AVPCentralMaintenance]

The "FOREIGN AGENT" law is good to control the terrorism and to avoid misdeeds from enemy countries. India suffered a lot due to foreign countries free money inflow to so called NGOs who aided terrorist in Kashmir and other part of India, naxalite in most parts of India and many other misdeeds. It's only the similar laws in India that controlled the terrorism and naxalite... it's a good law.. people of Georgia should take judicious decision for the better interest of their country...

[@maximusvaliant8597]

what language is the women speaking

[@stephenhill545]

English, easy to understand, unlike Labrov.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Proposed Georgian legislation is actually already in place in every major liberal democracy - they all have foreign interference laws.

[@godisgreattimesinfinite8896]

This news clip is misguiding the viewers. Georgia has brought a law as per which any ngo which is getting more than 25 percent of its funding from foreign countries is covered under this act including Russian and Chinese ngo. But the news clip tells the viewers that every non governmental organization is under the purview of this law which is definitely not the case.

[@stephenhill545]

It's the way it will abused, as in Russia.

[@attilamarics3374]

@@stephenhill545 What? I hope you know that comment disproves your opinion. Learn to read.

[@wisanisambo3112]

What are other West countries policy on the same subject....... this hypocrisy is huge.

[@wisanisambo3112]

Watching this onesided analysis is time wasting. Journalism has rested indeed.

[@lalelimbusenihang9915]

DW anchor from India???

[@gilgameshur5366]

Yep, they gotta win indians heart and minds due to chinas growing influence.

[@videonofan]

It's an international channel

[@Howiex-is8gq]

Tucker carlson bots a.k.a. russian bots. Dont realize Donetsk oblast/ province is 60% ethnic ukrainian. So they spoke russian big deal. Africans speak french. They are not ethnic french...

[@ryanthompson1981]

Georgians speak russian as well, that's what happens when you suffer w violent occupation for almost a century.

[@mrunstoppable6711]

And now it’s part of Russia and not Ukraine. The nato Ukraine army is destroyed.

[@stevenwilliams3015]

So, who gives the moral right to talk about Russia when you already know what you did to Africa? Please keep quiet, mr hypocrisy

[@vsvntvnv]

whats up with that music

[@yevheniisliesariev]

A battle for influence? Who writes you these scripts? Imperialistic colonial expansion it is.

[@Павел-ь2ш2с]

The total losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in all areas of the special military operation over the past day exceeded 1,700 people and 67 units of heavy weapons and military equipment, including Western production.

[@ryanthompson1981]

Nice try Ivan lol

[@Павел-ь2ш2с]

@@ryanthompson1981 You violated the Law of Sufficient Reason.

[@maximusvaliant8597]

Ivan account

[@maximusvaliant8597]

@@Павел-ь2ш2с

[@Павел-ь2ш2с]

@@maximusvaliant8597 You have violated the law of sufficient reason.

[@jeanlucdom5398]

Serbia will never even think of joining nato just like india Iran China South Africa brasil they are 1000% loyal behind Mr 21 Gunz shotz Salutezz President Wladmir Wladmirovisj Putin🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenhill545]

That's good. I don't want my tax euros spent on developing you.

[@BentleyBolton]

Because she fail her mission by attack on India

[@jankowalyk7301]

Kremlin trolls, India started paying for oil with bananas. If I were you, I'd start looking for another job.

[@manofsan]

Main reason to look for another job is that war is going to end soon, since OoKrayEenas are collapsing. No troops left means no more war. Zelensky doesn't have to pay any political flunkies, since his outlawing all other politicians means no politics to be done. Dictator has no mandate. He'd lose to Zaluzhny anyway.

[@jankowalyk7301]

@@manofsan At least he’s not a murderer like you boss

[@trogdortpennypacker6160]

@@manofsan Have you been paid by Zelensky because he owes me two bags of wheat and 5 vodka bottles? If you have not been paid, we should form a troll union and look at a class action lawsuit. Heard American trolls are getting paid in Big Macs which while tempting would ruin my figure. Looked at Polish trolls options but they get paid in pierogis and their national drink, hand sanitizer. Might have to see what the Chinese are offering I guess.

[@maximusvaliant8597]

@@manofsan stick to picking coconuts

[@manofsan]

@@maximusvaliant8597 - that's how Zelensky plans to spend his retirement, after he runs away to a tropical haven, leaving his former countrymen high and dry. Washington bosses will ensure that any final agreement bars his extradition and repatriation.

[@gilgameshur5366]

What comes around goes around, get ready west. U gonna feel what globale south has been feeling for decades.

[@happymelon7129]

💪global south has woke up

[@aghassimkrtchyan6323]

The law may be bad, but as the journalist (Anastasia?) said, Georgia is not doing it for the Russians or because of Russia’s pressure. How is this linked to Russia then ?

[@w1113zuch]

😂 чо там ещё войнушка? 😂

[@MitchBollig]

Thank you for this discussion DW - it is nice to know critical strategic thinking exists in the media...in the U.S.A. our media tends to just pander to current political populist topics of the day generated by unsocial media hit counts.

[@lkklMakOffKa]

(6:00) 80%? just yesterday it was 70... don't rush so much, otherwise you'll reach 110% ^_^ Plus, it’s really incomprehensible to me given the "occupation part of the territory", "millions people in immigration" and "hundreds in the front", how it is possible to conduct a representative sample?

[@Eugene-rq8kr]

Funny DW. It's amusing.

[@thurmanator2223]

Making excuses for Ukraine not holding elections is sick

[@madamcurie-yg5sr]

Countries being invaded often suspend elections. How are you supposed to hold elections with so many displaced?

[@binhminh9886]

Russia robbery..

[@emulateone-qw1ob]

This Is a "ChiasticSlide" : That Are Not Unsuspected. Well: Wath Will Happen In a Long Term Run? I Think That This Lay Back Into Time As a What Was Thing. //Jonas.

[@BentleyBolton]

Monaco

[@AstroSardaukar]

Слава России! Победа будет за нами! 🇷🇺 🇧🇬 🇷🇺

[@jdjdiiididjsjskks3723]

🇷🇺😎🎊🎉😎🇷🇺

[@Hawk006]

Battle for influence assumes there’s a free sharing of ideas. It is something Putin would never allow.

[@AlfaCharlieLima13]

Host could manage better time, so each participant could speak equally.

[@theChiral]

So Russian Army is twice the size in numbers and equipment compared to what they were in 2022? This isnscary

[@conaccento]

What silly comparisons between dictatorship and a country trying to be democratic. And which is at war and has a constitution that will be accepted by the EU? Are you real?

[@Panaputra]

21:18 😄This is the funniest quote in the whole show. "Ukraines membership in NATO as early as 2028". Isn't that too early?😄 Ukraine is in great shape after 2 years of war. It can definitely fight for another 4 years.😄

[@happymelon7129]

U$A has the same law , but its policy is like ... "Itself can install lock for its house , but Georgia cannot install lock to prevent/protect/defend from U$A meddling "

[@petrsparking8816]

In fact USA has the same law.... 😂 Shame on you, West

[@facundolamas950]

Zelensky term has ended, every day he will lose legitimacy inside Ukraine. In political terms he is on the defensive now.

[@RatTerminator]

Of course Hes a coward !!

[@madamcurie-yg5sr]

Temu, happy workers, no forced labor, best materials, no lead. How is it so cheap? Dont worry about it.

[@ZakiHaider-y9o]

Temu better than Amazon

[@madamcurie-yg5sr]

@@ZakiHaider-y9o 😂 not even close. I have no love for amazon, but it is way better. Temu feels like an online casino merged with prison. The UI feels like AI trying to make a made for TV commercial in Flash.

[@natalio.179]

Impossible to listen this voice especially saying false information with a smart face

[@dchappy6985]

I'm pretty sure you meant smug face.

[@naturefriend2075]

russain law? us law?

[@betabenja]

25:00 it's like the Snl sketch "whats up with that?"

[@magnetoftevag1394]

Why is this guy lying? I allways play this game.. Why is this guy lying; what does he (or she) gain from telling their narrative? Its a fun game - you should try it.

[@_Painted]

Russia can dominate Central Asia if they leave Eastern Europe alone and if they don’t try to push all the way to India. Westerners might denounce but won’t intervene in that scenario. Americans don’t want to be involved in Central Asia, as seen by withdrawal from Afghanistan. Right now, there is a power vacuum forming in Central Asia because of weakening Russian influence, and Turkey is trying to grow their power in the region while Russia is distracted.

[@kensuz]

Are you delusional? Americans not wanting to be involved with Central Asia? What a joke! Look at what they are trying to do with Xinjiang and the disinformation they are trying to spread with BRI.

[@stephenhill545]

China's involved there, too (belt and road).

[@borishenkel9703]

Georgia yes. Moldova maybe.

[@commonsense364]

As long as you keep our commissions goung. no election is required😂😂61 billion this will only last this fall and we need more funds for next winter. The boys cannot vote anyway and majority and oppositions are united. 😂😂😂

[@jdjdiiididjsjskks3723]

😎🇷🇺🎉🎊🇷🇺😎

[@olivergarcia2304]

F O Russian bot

[@maximusvaliant8597]

Ivan bots galore

[@stanislav7411]

Leave this Life pls

[@maximusvaliant8597]

@@stanislav7411

[@maximusvaliant8597]

@@stanislav7411

[@CorneliaStahl-ps5vc]

Xxxxc

[@evehawasinare228]

Russia is battling for survival.

[@Howiex-is8gq]

Yeah .from putin dictator...

[@stephenhill545]

Without a modern state form, there is no hope for it.

[@St.Thomas-er9iu]

Not difficult at all. Difficulties will arise at the judgement day before the prosecution for uprising against me and a Holy Order... St.Thomas