Russia's gas transit cutoff in Transnistria aims to create crisis ahead of Moldovan elections - political scientist

Moldovan political scientist Roman Russu said this in an interview with Espreso TV.

"Preparations are underway for the parliamentary elections, which means this is an attempt to influence Moldovan society. People are very afraid of war and any potential intervention. Russia is acting — and will continue to act — both informationally, as it has in the past, and electorally, as we saw during the presidential elections. This is certain," Russu said. "A lot will depend on Moldova's authorities, the police, and whether they can stop this interference. Russia will also apply economic pressure, as we’ve already seen with the situation in Transnistria. An energy crisis may begin as early as January 1. This is yet another attempt by Russia to exert pressure."

Russu emphasized that Russia deliberately created a humanitarian crisis in Transnistria as part of its strategy to influence the elections.

"Russia had the option to avoid this. Gas could have been supplied to Transnistria not only via Ukraine but also through Türkiye. They had the capacity to charter gas flows through Türkiye until December 16, but they chose not to. They intentionally created a humanitarian, even a crisis situation, in Transnistria, knowing that this would deal the biggest blow there. The aim is to further destabilize society ahead of the elections and do everything possible to bring pro-Russian parties to power. Russia is actively using all available methods to achieve this," the political scientist concluded.

• On December 9, the self-proclaimed leader of Transnistria, Vadim Krasnoselsky, declared a state of economic emergency due to the threat of Russian gas supplies being cut off to the region via Ukraine.
• On December 16, Moldova introduced a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector due to issues with Russian gas supplies to Moldova starting in 2025.
• On December 21, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine would stop transiting Russian gas through its territory starting January 1.