Moldova faces a “hybrid war” with Russia
Russia has suspended gas deliveries to the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transdniestria, intensifying energy and political tensions in Moldova. The European Union denounces a maneuver aimed at destabilizing the region.
Since January 1, the separatist region of Transdniestria, in Moldova, has been facing a total cut of Russian gas, a situation which is exacerbating tensions between Chisinau and Moscow. Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, has stopped deliveries following an ongoing financial dispute.
The conflict concerns a debt estimated at more than 700 million dollars by Russia, but which Moldova puts at only 9 million. This supply disruption pushed the Cuciurgan thermal power station, located in Transdniestria, to operate solely on coal. This installation, which provided up to 80% of Moldovan electricity, now only covers local needs. Its current reserves are expected to run out by mid-February.
An energy crisis with geopolitical significance
The situation goes far beyond the economic framework. Kaja Kallas, head of European diplomacy, accused Moscow of waging a “hybrid war” against Moldova, using gas as a strategic weapon. In a statement on social network
For his part, the Moldovan Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, denounced a deliberate strategy of regional destabilization in the run-up to the legislative elections scheduled for this fall. He also criticized Moscow’s decision not to use the TurkStream gas pipeline as an alternative to the Ukrainian transit, interrupted due to the war.
Local and regional impacts
Despite these tensions, Chisinau is for the moment spared from major cuts thanks to its partial integration into European networks. However, the country’s dependence on the Cuciurgan power plant remains a concern. The end of coal reserves could worsen the energy crisis and further weaken the country.
Faced with these challenges, the European Union has stepped up its financial and technical support to help Moldova reduce its dependence on Russian resources. These initiatives aim not only to guarantee the country’s energy security, but also to thwart Moscow’s attempts at geopolitical influence in the region.
Moldova at a turning point
This crisis highlights the growing challenges for Moldova in its path towards European integration. The Transdniester region, where Russian influence remains strong, is a major point of tension. While Moscow exploits this divide to maintain its influence, the Moldovan authorities continue their efforts to strengthen their energy and political sovereignty.
With winter intensifying and crucial political deadlines ahead, Moldova must redouble its efforts to overcome this crisis. The European Union and Chisinau are striving to respond to this “hybrid war”, but the challenges remain numerous in this tense geopolitical context.
