Russia's energy blackmail pressures Moldova amid crisis
The energy crisis in Transnistria is being used as a tool of Russian blackmail against Moldova, according to Center for Eastern Studies expert Kamil Całus. "Moscow is leveraging the situation for propaganda purposes and to influence Moldovan voters," he added.
"Honestly, I was surprised by Russia's decision to completely cut off supplies. It was initially expected that Moscow would likely limit supplies to Transnistria to meet the population's needs while restricting energy production for export. However, Russia opted for more drastic measures, resulting in a crisis not only in Transnistria but also affecting the wider region," said Kamil Całus, Center for Eastern Studies expert.
"Moscow is also exploiting the current situation to spread propaganda and exert influence on Moldovan voters," he emphasized.
Energy resources as Russia's weapon
The crisis stems from an expired transit contract between Ukraine and Russia. While Moscow could continue to supply energy via an alternative route, it has chosen not to do so. Russia is demanding that Moldova repay a gas debt, which the authorities in Chișinău view as unjustified.
Russia accuses Ukraine and Moldova of actions against the Russian-speaking population of Transnistria. "Russian propagandists are loudly claiming that, in the middle of winter, Kyiv and Chișinău decided to 'punish the pro-Russian population of Transnistria for their identity,'" the Center for Eastern Studies analyst emphasized.
Since 2022, Moldova has been independent of Russian gas and imports energy from Romania. However, energy bills have risen by 75 percent, which could influence voter sentiment. The head of Transnistria, Vadim Krasnoselsky, announced that Russia would "soon" supply gas as "humanitarian aid." "Russia does not want to lose Transnistria; it merely wants to use it as a means of exerting pressure on Moldova," Całus emphasized.
