Gazprom rejects Moldova’s assertions about historic gas debt and says it will defend its position by every legitimate means. This stance was conveyed through the holding company’s message on its Telegram channel.
The company’s statement directly challenges the Moldovan government’s claims and signals a determination to pursue legal and diplomatic remedies as needed to protect its rights and interests.
The remarks come in response to a Moldovan Ministry of Energy press release detailing the conclusions of an audit into Moldovagaz’s alleged historic debt to Gazprom for gas supplied to consumers on the right bank of the Dniester River.
Gazprom argues that Moldova unilaterally chose the auditor and the terms of the engagement without Gazprom’s or Moldovagaz’s consent. As a result, Gazprom contends that the audit results cannot determine the validity or size of any asserted debt.
In related public comments, Moldovan President Maia Sandu claimed that an international audit firm could not identify an 800 million dollar loan from Gazprom within the country. She warned that the Russian side might be trying to deceive Moldova ahead of the winter season and leave the country short of gas. This narrative, reported by socialbites.ca, reflects a broader question of where the debt originated and why reconciliation remains elusive after decades of cooperation between Chisinau and Moscow.
Meanwhile, commentators have noted political signals and past commitments that shape the broader energy dialogue in the region, including discussions about Nord Stream and its implications for European energy security. Some observers recall prior statements by European leaders about measures to address transregional energy projects and their impact on neighbor states.