A senior Moldovan government official confirmed the details to POLITICO.
“Russia blocked the EU-proposed solution for the Transnistrian region” over fears of losing its hold over the unrecognized state,” added the official, who was granted anonymity to discuss the arrangement.
Moscow has historically provided free gas to the separatist authorities, allowing them to fund pensions and soldiers’ salaries through energy sales. However, a plan to secure alternatives with the support of the EU would have meant tariffs gradually increasing and integration with the continent’s energy markets.
“If the Transnistrian region moves toward market prices, it weakens Russia’s grip — eliminating the need for subsidized energy and eroding Moscow’s economic leverage in the region,” the official said. “By obstructing this transition, Russia is protecting its most powerful tools of influence.”
The humanitarian crisis began at the start of the year when Moscow ended gas flows to the area over a dispute with the Moldovan government. Documents obtained by POLITICO showed local leaders rejected offers of alternative supplies.
Moldovan officials have repeatedly warned the standoff was designed to destabilize the EU candidate country ahead of parliamentary elections this year. The Kremlin was also accused of trying to bribe voters against supporting European integration in a 2024 EU referendum.
