Russia criticizes Moldova for finding gas "bargain", "turning back" on Gazprom; Moscow's economy develops positively

On November 16, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused the Moldovan government of not implementing an agreement with the country's gas monopoly Gazprom.

Nga chỉ trích Moldova không thực hiện thỏa thuận về khí đốt

Russia criticizes Moldova for not implementing gas deal. (Source: Reuters)

According to Mr. Galuzin, in October 2021, negotiations took place between the Russian company and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu. After that, Gazprom accepted all of Chisinau's proposals and demonstrated its readiness to take into account Moldova's interests in gas.

However, in September 2023, the Moldovan Ministry of Energy issued a report stating that the government did not owe Gazprom. And this does not comply with international standards and requirements on audit independence.

According to Mr. Galuzin, the conclusions contained therein cannot affect the amount of debt confirmed by international documents and arbitration.

Earlier, Moldovan Energy Minister Viktor Parlikov said that the country no longer intends to buy gas from Gazprom.

“Moldova has reoriented itself to the European market and found even more profitable offers there,” said Viktor Parlikov.

* On November 15, the Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) said that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of 2023 reached 5.5%. This is the second consecutive quarter that the Russian economy has recorded growth after a previous decline.

Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Polina Kryuchkova said that the recovery period of the Russian economy has ended and the country's economy is currently developing positively.

According to her, the main drivers of Russian economic growth in the last quarter were manufacturing (up 10.2%), construction (up 8%) and agriculture (up 4%).

The economy was also supported by growth in consumer activity (wholesale sales increased by 22.9%, retail sales increased by 11.3%).

Minister Kryuchkova stressed that the current goal is to maintain this positive trend and continue restructuring the economy.

Source