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The United States has announced a $135 million aid package for Moldova to enhance the country’s energy security and counter Russian influence.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged the aid during a visit to Chisinau, Moldova’s capital. Speaking at a press conference with President Maia Sandu, Blinken noted that $85 million of the aid would be allocated to bolster Moldova’s energy infrastructure. The remaining $50 million is intended to support the agriculture sectors and combat disinformation efforts by Russia.

According to Secretary Blinken, “That in turn will bolster the ability of Moldovans to resist Russian interference, to hold free and fair elections, to continue down the path to the European Union and Western integration, to create more economic opportunity.”

Prior to this announcement, the US had already provided Moldova with $774 million in aid since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022, with $300 million specifically earmarked for energy security. Blinken’s visit, which coincides with a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Prague, underscores the heightened concerns over potential Russian threats to Moldova and Georgia, both of which are aspiring EU members and have candidate status.

Digging Deeper:
Moldova has long accused Russia of engaging in a “hybrid war” that includes election meddling and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the government and derailing its EU aspirations. Despite Russian denials, Moldova remains proactive, especially after authorities in Transnistria, a disputed territory with Russian troops, appealed to Moscow for “protection” in February, citing increased pressure from the Moldovan government.