Attack on Moldova. How Kremlin Weaponised Gas to Fight against Pro-Western Authorities

The US ambassador to Moldova made a reassuring statement this week. According to American intelligence, there are no signs pointing to a threat of an attack by Russia on Moldova.

However, the attack is already there but in a hybrid form.

We could see it during anti-government protests in Moldova, financed artificially and externally, without even hiding it.

On November 1, new pressure on Moldova began.

In an attempt to "break" the pro-Western government there, Russia cut off gas to Moldova - more precisely, half of the usual volume.

Meanwhile, Russian puppets in Transnistria completely stopped the electricity supply to Moldova.

Russia systematically prepared for this move in advance. They organised "street outrage" with the demand to re-elect the parliament and the president. It is already clear that FSB takes care of this part of the hybrid attack on Moldova. A journalistic investigation even found out the names of the officers.

"If you won't love us, we will cut off gas"

Everybody in Moldova understands that this winter will not pass without a full-fledged energy crisis. They had known that long before the Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Exactly one year ago, in October and November 2021, Ukraine and a warm autumn helped keep the Moldovan energy system afloat. The gas contract with Russia was extended but with an option to terminate it anytime.

The Kremlin again started testing the strength of the Moldovan energy system in early autumn 2022. In October, it reduced gas supply by 30% of the contracted volume. A couple of weeks ago, through its puppets - the government of unrecognised Transnistria - publicly warned to cut the gas supply by 40% in November.

And in fact, since November 1, gas has been cut in half. It means Moldova also lost its main source of power.

Losing gas and power simultaneously, even at the beginning of the winter season, looks like a "perfect storm."

Over the years, the Kremlin has polished up its ability to wage hybrid wars. In Moldova, it has everything for this.

And, of course, the Kremlin's favourite trump card is energy.

First, until the end of 2021 – Moldova was 100