Moldova launches new power line to Romania to cut reliance on Russia | Vladimir Putin News
Moldova Inaugurates Power Line to Romania, Reducing Dependence on Russian Energy
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova has officially inaugurated a new power line to Romania, a move aimed at decreasing its reliance on Russian energy supplies. The announcement was made by President Maia Sandu during a ceremony in the capital on Sunday.
“For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us,” Sandu stated on social media, adding that Moldova has ceased purchasing Russian gas. The country, home to approximately 2.6 million people, has traditionally sourced most of its gas from Russia through the pro-Moscow separatist region of Transnistria and pipelines that traverse Ukraine.
Sandu emphasized the significance of the new 400-kilowatt extra-high-voltage line, which runs from Vulcanesti to Chisinau. “Thanks to this project, we are strengthening our electricity transmission capacity, diversifying our means of supply, and reinforcing the connection of the Republic of Moldova to the European energy system,” she said.
The inauguration marks two years since Moldovan authorities originally set the launch date for the project. Sandu announced that two additional power lines to Romania are planned for the future.
European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos, also present at the ceremony, remarked that Moldova will now have the ability to procure energy from the most competitive markets.
This initiative reduces Moldova’s dependence on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant located in Transnistria, which has historically been subject to interruptions whenever Moldova has pursued energy alternatives to Russian supplies.
In light of ongoing energy challenges, Moldova’s parliament had recently declared a state of emergency until November 20, aiming to address gas shortages amid soaring global energy prices. Meanwhile, some European nations have accused Moscow of exacerbating these energy crises by limiting gas supplies.
In the Black Sea region, tensions continue to rise, with European-aligned states reporting increased military activity attributed to Russia. Last month, Romania accused Russia of conducting a drone strike that resulted in a cargo ship sinking off its coast, leading to the death of one crew member and leaving three others missing.
As the situation escalates, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria have urged NATO to enhance surveillance capabilities to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the area. In response, NATO has announced plans to deploy additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones to the Black Sea.
