Moldova did not join the wave of sanctions against Russia.
On April 1st, Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country's leaders would maintain a neutral stance and would not participate in the Western sanctions imposed on Russia related to the Ukraine issue.
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| Moldovan President Maia Sandu (left). Photo: Publika/VNA |
According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Eastern Europe, President Sandu stated that this stance was aimed at ensuring the livelihoods of the people, guaranteeing energy supplies, and maintaining stability in the country. She added that the conflict in neighboring Ukraine has negatively impacted Moldova's economy. The country is unable to export goods to Ukrainian, Russian, or Belarusian markets and faces the risk of not receiving energy supplies from Russia.
The Moldovan leader also stated that Western partners are supporting the country, which is in a difficult situation and is striving to find alternative energy sources.
On the same day, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill increasing taxes on foreign companies operating in the country by 50% if they have branches operating in Russia.
This move is the latest effort by the Kiev government to increase pressure on Russia amid a conflict that Ukraine estimates has so far cost the country more than $560 billion in economic and infrastructure damage. Before it can take effect, the bill needs a second reading and the approval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Dozens of major international brands have temporarily closed or left Russia since the country launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24.
Meanwhile, a senior US Treasury official stated that the series of sanctions imposed by the US and its allies have severely impacted Russia's currency and economy, potentially causing Moscow's gross domestic product (GDP) growth to decline by 10%.
