Russia's gas gambit: Energy blackmail strains Moldova ties
The energy crisis in Transnistria is being used as a tool of Russian blackmail against Moldova, claims OSW expert Kamil Całus. "Moscow is exploiting the situation for propaganda purposes and to influence Moldovan voters," he adds.
"Honestly, I was surprised that Russia decided to cut off supplies completely. It was expected that Moscow would likely limit supplies to Transnistria to just enough for the population, but insufficient for energy production for export. However, Russia chose more drastic measures, causing a crisis in Transnistria and the broader region," said OSW expert Kamil Całus.
"Moscow is also leveraging the current situation to spread propaganda and exert influence on Moldovan voters," he emphasized.
Energy resources are Russia's weapon
The crisis stems from an expired transit contract between Ukraine and Russia. Moscow could continue supplies through an alternative route but has chosen not to. Russia demands repayment of a gas debt from Moldova, which Chișinău considers unjustified.
Russia accuses Ukraine and Moldova of acting against the Russian-speaking population of Transnistria. "Russian propagandists claim that in the middle of winter, Kyiv and Chișinău decided to 'punish the pro-Russian population of Transnistria for their identity,'" emphasized the OSW analyst.
Moldova, which has been independent of Russian gas since 2022, now imports energy from Romania. Energy bills have increased by 75%, 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 wants to use it as a tool to pressure Moldova," Całus emphasized.
