As of January 1, the Russian energy giant Gazprom is suspending gas shipments to Moldova citing the country’s unpaid debts.
The company’s announcement on Saturday was reported by MTI. According to the quoted statement, Gazprom reserves the right to take action against the Eastern European country, which could even mean the termination of the supply contract.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean condemned Russia’s move, saying it would leave people in Moldova without electricity or heating. In his Facebook post, the prime minister accused Moscow of using energy as a political weapon.
He added that Moldova is now examining its legal options, and it is possible that it will turn to international arbitration in the case.
Moldova annually imports about 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia via Ukraine. Since a 2022 agreement, the shipment will come entirely to Transnistria, where a vital power plant operates. This power plant covers most of Moldova’s electricity supply.
According to Russian calculations, Moldova has a gas debt of 709 million dollars. A state of emergency was introduced in Moldova in mid-December due to the uncertainty of Russian gas transit. In the absence of Russian natural gas, the power plant in Transnistria may shut down, and long power outages are to be expected in the entire territory of Moldova, which has a population of 2.5 million.
Gazprom’s decision comes shortly after Mania Sandu, the pro-Western president who has ruled Moldova until now, won the presidential election against Alexandr Stoianoglo at the beginning of November. Maia Sandu and her party the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) are supporters of EU integration, Alexandr Stoianoglo, with the support of the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party (PSRM), would prefer to approach Putin’s Russia.
Maia Sandu won the presidential election in Moldova, but the road to the European Union will not be smooth
As we reported, the contest, which was surrounded by Russian intervention attempts, was also about the Moldovans confirming what they had already approved in the October 20 referendum on EU integration, that is, that their country should become a member of the European Union. However, Moldova will not have a smooth path to the EU, the party of the re-elected president will face quite big challenges in the crucial parliamentary elections next summer and in forming a governing coalition when forming a government.
Source: nepszava.hu
