NewsMoldova drastically cuts trade with Russia amid criticism

Moldova drastically cuts trade with Russia amid criticism

Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean (on the left) and Dumitru Alaiba, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic (on the right)

Images source: © X | @dumitru_alaiba

PRC

6:49 AM EDT, April 19, 2024

Moldova has notably reduced its trade interactions with Russia, now accounting for merely 3 percent of its overall foreign trade. The bulk of exports is now aimed towards the European Union, the USA, the United Kingdom, and EFTA countries, precipitating immediate and sharp criticism from Moscow regarding the severance of ties.

Moldova's trade ties with Russia have significantly diminished over the past 15 years, highlighted Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development and Digitization, Dmitrij Alaiba. He noted in an interview with the "Kommiersant" newspaper that trade with Russia now constitutes just a small fraction of Moldova's foreign trade activity.

"Back in 2009, 75 percent of our trade was directed towards Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Fast forward to today, and the scene has drastically changed – 70 percent of our trade now flows towards the European Union, EFTA (comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), North America, and the United Kingdom," Alaiba disclosed during a conversation with the Moldpres agency.

Following the association agreement with the EU nine years ago, Moldovan exports to the EU have surged to almost 65 percent of its total export volume.

In 2023, there was a notable increase in Moldova's military budget, arms purchases, and its military alliances with the United States, the European Union, and NATO.

Moscow Responds with Sharp Criticism

The Kremlin has been vocal about its disdain for Moldova's realignment towards Western partnerships. Moscow has criticized Moldova for severing its longstanding ties, drawing parallels between Moldova and Ukraine while also challenging its territorial integrity and backing separatist regions.

Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, accused Moldovan authorities of militarizing the country and aiming to use it as an "anti-Russian springboard," resembling the situation in Ukraine.

A recent interview published by the Kremlin-backed agency TASS with Transnistria's president, Vadim Krasnoselsky, revealed concerns about Moldova's "militarization," labeling it a threat to Transnistria. Krasnoselsky also criticized Chisinau for freezing negotiations with Transnistria and underscored Transnistria's "enhanced" cooperation with Russia.

According to the American Institute for the Study of War, the interview is part of a broader strategy to destabilize Moldova, laying the groundwork for potential Russian actions in the region.