Wed Jan 08 08:30:31 UTC 2025: ## Russia Accused of Weaponizing Gas Against Moldova Ahead of Elections
**Chisinau, Moldova –** Tensions are escalating between Moldova and Russia over a gas crisis affecting the breakaway region of Transnistria. While Russia blames Moldova for unpaid debts and Ukraine for halting gas transit, Moldova accuses Russia of using the situation to destabilize the country and influence upcoming parliamentary elections.
The dispute centers on the cutoff of gas supplies to Transnistria on New Year’s Day. Russia’s Gazprom cites a $709 million debt owed by Moldova, a claim Moldova disputes, backed by an international audit. Additionally, the transit route through Ukraine was severed after Kyiv refused to renew a transit agreement with Moscow. Gazprom’s refusal to use an alternative route, the Transbalkan pipeline, further exacerbates the crisis, leaving over 51,000 households without heating and impacting the region’s economy.
Moldova’s Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, alleges that Russia is intentionally creating instability to install a pro-Russian government. This accusation follows accusations of Russian interference in last year’s elections, which saw pro-EU forces narrowly win a majority.
The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned Russia’s actions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is using “gas as a weapon” in a “hybrid war” against Moldova, reaffirming the EU’s unwavering support for the country. Kallas highlighted that despite the crisis, Moldova remains resilient due to its connection to European energy networks. The disruption is causing significant hardship in Transnistria, with numerous buildings lacking heating, and impacting the region’s economic stability. The situation continues to unfold with significant geopolitical implications for Moldova and the broader region.
First Piper 