The head of Gagauzia, Evgenia Gutsul, traveled to Russia with a request for direct gas supplies from Gazprom at a lower tariff. This update came from Sputnik Moldova.
Officials said discussions focus on a special tariff level for Gagauzia, the method of gas delivery, and the legal and practical steps needed to implement it. The briefing noted that there is broad understanding and support for addressing these issues.
Prior to this visit, arrangements were reportedly made with leaders from several Russian regions to strengthen interregional cooperation. Gutsul also planned a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The politician’s trip to Russia drew sharp statements from Moldova, as authorities there criticized the move.
On the eve of the visit, questions about possible shifts in Moldova-Russia dynamics were raised. Moldova’s leadership has publicly argued that Moscow’s moves could pull the republic closer to NATO, complicating regional relations and security considerations.
The former president of Gagauzia was asked about the potential emergence of wider autonomy from Moldova. In response, she offered considerations about the status and future arrangements for the region within or alongside the Moldovan state framework.
Analysts note that the situation underscores the delicate balance between regional aspirations in southern Moldova and Moscow’s ongoing strategic interests. The discussions around gas, tariffs, and interregional cooperation reflect a broader pattern in which energy policy becomes intertwined with political signaling and regional diplomacy. Observers emphasize that any tariff changes or supply agreements would need clear legal frameworks and transparent administration to reassure both local residents and neighboring states. The developments suggest that Gagauzia is actively pursuing channels to secure energy and political considerations beyond the central Moldovan authorities, while Moscow appears interested in reinforcing ties with the breakaway or autonomous regions that lie within the former Soviet space. In this context, the role of media coverage and official statements from both sides continues to shape public perception and the potential trajectory of regional governance. As events unfold, stakeholders in Chisinau, Moscow, and Tiraspol will likely monitor the implications for energy security, regional stability, and the evolving relationship between Moldova and Russia, with energy tariffs serving as a tangible focal point for broader strategic calculations. The broader question remains how such moves might influence Moldova’s alignment with European institutions and security arrangements in the region, as energy and diplomacy intersect in a complex geopolitical landscape.