Energy Crisis in Moldova: Russia's Game with Uncertainty

Abstract

At the end of 2024, Ukraine ended its transit of gas from Russia to Moldova. Unlike many in Chișinău and the breakaway territory of Transdniestria had assumed, Russia simply stopped providing the previously subsidised de facto regime with free gas. The present crisis in Moldova could have been anticipated and prepared for better - not only by the Moldovan government but also by its supporting partners in the EU. Instead of letting Russia play them off against each other, Moldovans and Transdniestrians should finally accept that they are sitting in the same boat that either is getting back on track or continues to meander at the discretion of Russia.