Moldova launches new power line to Europe, declares end to Russian energy blackmail

President Maia Sandu announced the launch of the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line on November 9, saying the country had also stopped purchasing Russian gas.

"For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us. No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas, and two more power lines to Romania are on the way," Sandu wrote on X.

The new transmission line runs between Vulcănești in southern Moldova and the capital, Chișinău, strengthening the country's access to electricity through its connections with Romania and the European energy network.

Moldova has long faced pressure from Moscow through its dependence on Russian energy supplies. The new infrastructure is intended to reduce that vulnerability and strengthen the country's energy security.

Sandu said two additional electricity connections with Romania are under development.

The announcement comes as the European Union moves toward a complete phaseout of Russian gas imports.

Under the EU's adopted timetable, imports of Russian liquefied natural gas are to be banned from the beginning of 2027, followed by pipeline gas imports in autumn 2027.

The measures are part of a broader European effort to reduce Moscow's ability to use energy exports as a source of political leverage.