Press review // The fate of the Republic of Moldova depends on how the new American administration will position itself in the war in Ukraine
Several publications from the Republic of Moldova examine how the new United States administration may affect security and stability in Europe, particularly regarding the potential signing of a peace agreement in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Experts suggest that the resolution of the Transnistrian issue will also depend on the developments in Ukraine.
Russia continues to leave the Transnistrian region cold and dark. Gazprom has not yet made capacity reservations for February on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, which supplies gas to the Transnistrian region, according to reports from Ziarul Național.
Tiraspol is attempting to draw Chișinău into a new scheme, writes Deutsche Welle. The author of the article, Vitalie Călugăreanu, states that the pro-Russian separatist administration in Tiraspol is pressuring Chișinău to refuse assistance regarding gas supplies to the Transnistrian region through questionable schemes. In a public statement on Monday morning, the self-proclaimed leader, Vadim Krasnoselski, claimed that Tiraspol had agreed to Chișinău's terms so that "people can have heat in their homes as soon as possible." However, Călugăreanu argues that Krasnoselski's message was meant to manipulate the Transnistrian population, which is frustrated by Tiraspol's rejection of Chișinău's help, especially as indoor temperatures have dropped to only 10 degrees Celsius. The journalist believes that the pro-Russian separatist regime is using unacceptable conditions to pressure Chișinău into a refusal, allowing Russian propaganda to accuse Chișinău of causing a humanitarian crisis in the Transnistrian region.
Changes in U.S. foreign policy and potential peace negotiations with Ukraine could present an opportunity for the Republic of Moldova to gain American support in solving the Transnistrian conflict, reports Moldova 1 TV. Chisinau should capitalize on this international context, with support from external partners, including Romania, to seek deeper U.S. involvement in addressing this issue, said Black Sea expert Mihai Isac during a program on the public television station.
The Republic of Moldova has maintained a strong partnership with the U.S. across both Democratic and Republican administrations, declared President Maia Sandu during a program on TVR Moldova. The head of state expressed several important expectations regarding the new leadership in the White House, particularly in security and restoring peace in Ukraine and across Europe. Maia Sandu expressed hope that the war would conclude this year with a just peace for Ukraine and lasting peace for the entire region.
The fate of the Republic of Moldova is closely tied to how the new American administration positions itself regarding the war in Ukraine, claims international relations analyst Ștefan Bejan from WatchDog in a commentary for Radio Chișinău. He also warns of potential risks for Ukraine following the parliamentary elections in Moldova. "It is crucial to determine which concessions our country will be included in. A possible freeze of the war in Ukraine might also mean a continuation of the status quo in the Transnistrian region," emphasized Bejan. He believes that Russia will likely utilize Tiraspol and potentially Chișinău, post-elections, to conduct a hybrid war against Ukraine. Bejan asserts that a freeze of the conflict, along with possible security guarantees for Ukraine, cannot be realized with the Russian military present in Transnistrian region. He stresses the importance of Chișinău’s authorities ensuring that any negotiations include Ukraine's demand for the demilitarization of the Transnistrian region and its reintegration under Chișinău's control.
Former President Donald Trump indirectly suggested that his approach to ending the war in Ukraine involves utilizing energy resources as a strategic tool. Columnist Laurențiu Pleșca points out that in his inaugural speech, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to boosting domestic energy production, which includes increasing oil and natural gas drilling. If implemented, this policy could significantly affect not only the American economy but also global geopolitical dynamics. The message from the new American president may be interpreted as a direct warning to Russia, which has historically depended on energy exports to fund its military ambitions. By lowering global oil and gas prices, the United States could substantially reduce Russia's revenues, thus diminishing the Kremlin's capacity to support the war in Ukraine. Essentially, Trump appears to view cheap energy as an effective economic weapon to weaken Russia's long-term position, writes Agora.
