Moldova has rid itself of its energy dependence on Russia, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.

"The Dniester's western bank has stopped buying gas from Russia. We can no longer be blackmailed with gas. We did not know last winter whether we would have natural gas in winter, and this year we know that we have it, as we have created reserves and can thus provide natural gas to the country," Sandu said in an interview with the television channel Vocea Basarabiei on Friday.

As for the audit of Moldovagaz's debt to Gazprom, she said the auditors estimated the debt at $8.6 million. "We have evidence, the audit was made by acknowledged international companies. So, Moldovagaz can pay Gazprom $8.6 million instead of over $700 million. Gazprom's refusal to recognize the external audit results is its problem," Sandu said.

Gazprom and Moldovagaz signed a five-year program in October 2021, following lengthy talks and the conclusion of a protocol of actions by the sides.

Moldova signed an agreement for a gas debt audit with Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS (Norway) and Forensic Risk Alliance & Co (the UK) in August 2022.

Moldovan Energy Minister Victor Parlicov presented an audit report on the debt for gas supplied to consumers on the Dniester's western bank in 1993-2021 in September 2023. The auditors did not confirm Moldova's debt of $709 million claimed by Gazprom. Most of the debt was unconfirmed or could not be enforced, Parlicov said. The Moldovan government therefore offered to pay $8.6 million to Gazprom to settle the gas debt.

Gazprom strongly disagreed with the audit results and warned that it could halt its gas supply.