Moldova 'buys zero Russian gas,' launches new power line to EU
"For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us. No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.
On November 8, Moldova's President Maia Sandu announced that the country will no longer purchase Russian gas and will launch a new power line to connect Moldova to the European power grid through Romania. Sandu emphasized on social media that Moldova will buy zero Russian gas, ending the decades-long practice of Moscow using energy as a means of blackmail.
The Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line, a 400-kilowatt extra-high-voltage line spanning 158 kilometers (98 miles), will play a crucial role in Moldova's integration into Europe's energy system. Sandu also mentioned that two more power lines to Romania are currently under construction. This decision is part of Moldova's broader efforts to deepen its ties with Europe and ultimately join the EU while reducing its energy dependence on Russia.
The Cuciurgan power station in the Russian-occupied Transnistria region, Moldova's largest power plant, will no longer be in operation. Moldova has long suffered from Russia's use of gas exports as a geopolitical tool to exert pressure on European governments. In response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has been actively working to reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports, with plans to ban all Russian gas starting next year.
Despite these efforts, an EU official revealed that Europe is unlikely to agree to resume gas exports to Europe through a U.S. intermediary, as the bloc remains committed to shutting off Russian imports.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
