Moldova shifts trade focus from Russia to the West amid criticism
Moldova limits trade relations with Russia to 3 percent of its total foreign trade. Most exports are now directed towards the European Union, the USA, the United Kingdom, and EFTA countries. Moscow has quickly and sharply criticised the severance of ties.
Moldova has significantly reduced trade relations with Russia over the last 15 years. Currently, the share of foreign trade with Russia constitutes merely 3 percent of the total trade turnover – highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development and Digitization of the Republic, Dmitrij Alaiba, as reported by the newspaper "Kommiersant".
In 2009, 75 percent of Moldova's trade was oriented towards Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Now, this scenario has completely changed – 70 percent of our trade relations are with the European Union, EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – ed. note), North America, and the United Kingdom – Alaiba mentioned in an exchange with the Moldpres agency.
In 2023, Moldova raised its military budget and arms acquisitions, enhancing military cooperation with the United States, the European Union, and NATO.
Moscow Reacts with Sharp Criticism
Russia has begrudgingly acknowledged Moldova's shift towards the West, but the Kremlin has criticised the nation for severing ties with Russia.
According to the American Institute for the Study of War, the interview is part of a strategy to lay the groundwork for destabilizing Moldova and rationalising future Russian operations.
