Moldova will suffer from Russian attacks on Ukraine

Significance

Opposition-led protests centring on a severe energy crisis add to the risks facing Moldova as a result of Russian military action in Ukraine. Following the early wave of refugees from Ukraine and disruptions to trade supply chains, Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have deprived Moldova of cheap electricity and exposed its lack of air defences.

Impacts

• The next presidential election is not due until 2024 and parliamentary polls the following year.
• The pro-EU government has a little space in which to address multiple challenges and recover public support.
• When Interior Minister Ana Revenco says Moscow is behind ongoing anti-government protests, she has a point.