The invasion of Ukraine by Russia threatens to have far-reaching consequences for many of Ukraine’s neighbors. Moldova stands as an example of Ukraine’s neighbors that has experienced effects of the war. It is the smallest country in Eastern Europe, with a populace of fewer than three million people and now houses hundreds of thousands of civilians who have fled the ongoing military campaign by Russia have overwhelmed Moldova in under two months (Rankin, 2022). The Ukraine war has resulted in a refugee crisis that threatens the stability of Moldova and its economic development.
The Ukraine war has significant negative economic consequences on its neighbors. A key aspect is the cessation of up to 14% of Moldova’s exports to Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine (Rankin, 2022). The virtual cessation of exports is because of the unavailability of the port of Odesa in Ukraine, which has long been the cheapest way to transport many goods (Rankin, 2022). Furthermore, the war has caused the rise in inflation to 22%, in addition to the heightened prices of Moldova’s imports (Rankin, 2022). As a result, Moldova is looking to the EU for financial assistance and eventual membership. However, the move is impeded by being wholly dependent on Russian gas supplies that could be lost amid joining Western sanctions.
Furthermore, the war has exposed many new threats for Moldova, a small landlocked country dealing with an influx of Ukrainian refugees while remaining utterly reliant on Russian gas. The limited resources and its limited capabilities to handle the consequences of war makes Moldova Ukraine’s most vulnerable neighbor (Rankin, 2022). News of the potential spread of the war beyond Ukraine made Moldova submit for European Union membership to reduce its vulnerability (Rankin, 2022). The country has made this attempt to be compatible with EU law.
The Ukraine war has abruptly transformed the world and interefered with operations of neighbouring nations. It has resulted in a refugee crisis that threatens the stability of Moldova and its economic development. For instance, the virtual cessation of exports is because the cheapest transportation course for Moldova, Ukraine’s port of Odesa, has been put on hold. Moreover, the few resources to handle the situation and its consequences have affected Moldova’s stability.
Reference
Rankin, J. (2022). Moldova facing “dangerous moment” amid fears it could be drawn into Ukraine war. The Guardian.