The Kremlin is increasing economic and energy blackmail, suggesting that in this way it can stop the transit or supply of gas to the Transnistrian region. According to him, Ukraine has the right to stop the transit, but there are other ways to supply gas to the two banks of the Nistru, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the Voice of America, IPN reports.
"We had seen energy blackmail before and we coped. Today, of course, this is another component of the hybrid war that the Kremlin is waging in the region. We are working very hard with partners in Europe and the United States to counter energy blackmail," stated the foreign minister.
According to Mihai Popșoi, the Kremlin understands that Moldova made a long-term pro-European geopolitical choice, which is why pro-Russian actors seek to undermine this path.
"The citizens of Moldova understand what is at stake. At least that's what we saw in the referendum and in the presidential election. We saw the Kremlin's attempts to intervene, to influence and change the situation or to bribe voters," said the deputy prime minister.
According to Mihai Popșoi, the Kremlin will make effort to redouble its efforts in the parliamentary elections and will continue to manipulate Moldovan citizens. Transparency is needed, "especially these days, when the Republic of Moldova has the highest inflation in Europe, and drones and missiles fly above our heads."
"Well, it's hard to understand what the people at the Kremlin think, but it's clear that they see the world as 'goal set, goal achieved'. I believe that Moldova's accession to the European Union will somehow harm their interests. The Kremlin's opinion, from our point of view, is not so important. They have their own country to focus on. Moldova is a peaceful country and wants to have good relations with everyone," said Mihai Popșoi.
The deputy prime minister assured that the official Chisinau will continue to support Ukraine and stressed that almost 100,000 refugees, mostly women and children, have full access to education, healthcare and the labor market in Moldova.
