Moldova Summons Envoy, Demands Russia 'Stop These Bombings' After Energy Blackout

"The brutal attack of the Russian Federation against Ukraine creates problems for every citizen of the Republic of Moldova" regardless of their political or geopolitical preferences, Moldova told Russian Ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov. (file photo)

Moldova's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to Chisinau on November 24 to "firmly condemn" the invasion of Ukraine and demand that Russia end its bombings, which were blamed for knocking out power in most of Moldova a day earlier.

Moscow's war planners have increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine following weeks of gains as Kyiv's forces recaptured occupied territory in the east.

Much of Moldova's foreign gas and energy arrives through neighboring Ukraine.

"The brutal attack of the Russian Federation against Ukraine creates problems for every citizen of the Republic of Moldova" regardless of their political or geopolitical preferences, the Moldovan ministry told Russian Ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov. "Russia must stop these bombings."

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After the summons, Vasnetsov cited the "genesis" of the Ukrainian conflict and said media was filled with "semi-truths" about the war.

President Maia Sandu convened a meeting of Moldova's Supreme Security Council on November 24 to discuss energy security following the massive hourlong interruption a day earlier, which blacked out most of the country including transportation, industry, and public buildings.

Sandu had said before the meeting: "We can't trust a regime that leaves us in the dark and cold that purposely kills people for the mere desire to keep other peoples poor and humble."

She added, "No matter how hard it may be now, our only way, the future path of the Republic of Moldova, must remain toward the free world."

Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure were blamed for a previous interruption in electricity to Moldova on November 15.

Chisinau, along with Ukraine and Georgia, accelerated their formal applications for EU membership in the weeks after Russia launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February.