The United States is providing Moldova with $135 million in assistance for energy security and countering Russian disinformation, report NewsMaker.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken made this statement at a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Blinken's visit to Chisinau occurred on his way to the Czech Republic, where he is scheduled to meet with foreign ministers of NATO countries.
It is expected that the US assistance will help Moldova diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian gas. Additionally, the US will support Moldova's efforts to combat fake news and propaganda spread by Russia.
Blinken's visit comes amid concerns that Moldova and Georgia may become new targets for Russian aggression. This marks the second visit by a high-ranking American official to Moldova in the last two months.
The US has already provided Moldova with $774 million in financial assistance since the start of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine. Of this amount, $300 million was allocated for energy security.
On May 29, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Moldova. In addition to meeting with the President of Moldova, he will also meet with other high-ranking officials of the country. It is expected that Blinken will announce a package of support for Moldova in its process of European integration and energy security.
This marks the second visit by Antony Blinken to Moldova since his visit in March 2022.
As reported by the President's office, since 1992, the US government has supported Moldova by providing over $2.5 billion. Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, the United States has provided Moldova with financial assistance amounting to $774 million, of which $300 million was allocated to overcome the energy crisis and strengthen energy security. Of these funds, $80 million were used to compensate bills for gas and electricity for low-income citizens, and $135 million are intended to increase domestic electricity generation and construct a 400 kV high-voltage line through the Straseni (Moldova) and GutinaÈ™ (Romania) power stations, which will connect Moldova to Romania's power grid, facilitating integration into the European energy network.
