DISINFO: Chisinau wants to redistribute energy flows in the region and block Transnistria
SUMMARY
Chisinau implements a programme of the West to redistribute energy flows in the region. The goal is to block Transnistria with the subsequent expulsion of the Russian military from the region.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative on Gazprom and the gas crisis in Moldova in October 2021.
Gazprom abruptly increased prices for gas for Moldova. Some experts say Moscow has boosted prices as a reprisal against Moldova for electing pro-Western President Maia Sandu last year.
While the negotiations between Gazprom and Moldovan representatives were ongoing in October 2021, Moldova's authorities also managed to find alternative sources of gas as a temporary solution. Thus, the European Union announced that it will provide the Republic of Moldova with a non-reimbursable aid of 60 million euros to overcome the gas crisis.
There is no evidence to support the claim that the gas crisis had as its goal blocking Transnistria or that Chisinau implements a Western programme of energy redistribution. On top of that, Transnistria is dependent on Gazprom's contract with Moldova, which stipulates volumes to be delivered to right-bank Moldova and Transnistria separately.
There is no sinister motive. The new contract agreed on 29 October 2021 between Gazprom and Moldovagaz does not exclude Transnistria or hurt it in any other way.