Moldova warned its people to brace for a harsh winter as it was facing an “acute” energy crisis that risked stoking popular discontent with Russia’s war in Ukraine threatening energy supplies and pushing up prices.

About 50 countries and institutions met in Paris yesterday to pledge aid for Moldova, which is wedged between Ukraine and Romania, as fears mount that it could be further destabilised by the conflict.

“This war is endangering the supply of electricity and gas. We are not certain we can find enough… to heat and light our homes, and even if we do, the prices are unaffordable for our people and economy. This could jeopardise our social peace and security.

I know everyone in Europe pays a very high price for energy but these same prices have a much more ruinous impact on our country and people”, - the President Maia Sandu told delegates in a speech.