Transdniestria

Moldova also has a region in the east, Transdniestria, run by Russian-backed separatists since the collapse of Soviet rule, but turmoil between its leaders and Moldovan authorities is rare.

Moscow also exerts influence through a pro-Russian separatist enclave, Transdniestria, in Moldova's east.

Moscow, which has about 1,500 troops stationed in Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria, also denied allegations by Sandu that it tried to overthrow her but relations have soured.

The Russian gas is used by a power station in Transdniestria that produces 80% of Moldova's electricity at low rates, so Moldova is keen to keep the arrangement in place.

Transdniestria, long supported financially and politically by Moscow, has not made payments for Russian gas for some time, and Gazprom has not sought to collect the arrears.