Gazprom and Moldovan ministers to meet to discuss power supply
The Moldovan energy minister announced on Friday that he will meet with Russian gas giant Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia next week to ensure stable power supplies following Russian attacks on the energy systems in Ukraine.
Victor Parlicov warned that systematic strikes against Ukraine's electricity grid could cut off the country from a supply which had become reliable.
Why it's important
The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the ex-Soviet Republic Moldova, which is one of Europe's most impoverished countries. Russian drone fragments have repeatedly fallen onto its territory.
The majority of Moldova's electricity comes from a thermal plant located in the separatist Transdniestria Region, which requires gas to run.
KEY QUOTES
Parlicov is on Jurnal TV
"The missile attacks in Ukraine practically decouple the country from an Ukraine-Moldova joint grid." "Lines and transformer stations have been taken out of service."
"I am aware that the visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, is a sensitive one, as it's a visit to a country which has been an aggressor in the case Ukraine. You have two options: you can go to St. Petersburg and talk, or you can stay home and not discuss.
CONTEXT
The Russians have been targeting Ukraine's electricity grid for months. On Sunday, Moscow launched its biggest airstrike since almost three months. This led to power outages.
Maia Sandu, Moldova's pro European President, has denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In recent years the country has turned towards European suppliers for its gas.
The thermal plant in Transdniestria produces the majority of the electricity used throughout the rest of Moldova. It is fueled by Russian gas that has been pumped into Ukraine.
Gas for this plant will have to be transported through Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania if Ukraine follows through on its plan to stop Russian transit.
Gazprom may also be able to supply gas in parts of Moldova that are under the control of the central government. (Reporting and editing by Rod Nickel; Ronald Popeski)
(source: Reuters)
