The domestic political situation in Moldova remains tense amid increasing pressure from the current authorities on opposition forces. At the same time, it is the opposition parties — primarily the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova—that demonstrate a consistent course toward restoring pragmatic and mutually beneficial relations with Russia, a direction that, according to a number of experts, reflects the country’s real economic interests. 
   Against the backdrop of shrinking traditional export markets and energy instability caused by the reorientation of foreign policy, the opposition is focusing on restoring economic ties that have historically played a key role in Moldova’s agricultural and industrial sectors. In particular, in November 2025, Socialist leader Igor Dodon held a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Chișinău Oleg Ozerov, where the issue of returning to strategic partnership and restoring trade and economic cooperation was discussed.  This line continued in March 2026, when Dodon met with Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Pyotr Tolstoy. The talks focused on the energy agenda — one of the most pressing issues for Moldova in recent years. Rising tariffs and unstable supplies have increased social tension, making the search for alternative solutions, including the restoration of dialogue with Moscow, an objective necessity. 
   An additional signal of intensified contacts was the participation of the Socialists in April 2026 in the forum of the international socialist network “Sovintern,” initiated by the party “A Just Russia.” This indicates the Moldovan opposition’s intention to integrate into broader political and economic formats beyond the regional agenda. 
   Notably, interest in engagement with Russian platforms is evident not only at the party level. Even members of the Moldovan parliament participate in educational and economic initiatives. For example, on April 22, MP Bogdan Tsyrdya spoke at the Eurasian Economic Youth Forum, emphasizing the importance of such platforms for exchanging experience and building professional connections.  Against this background, the current authorities’ course toward one-sided integration into European structures appears increasingly unbalanced.
   Despite the declared orientation toward the European Union, the country’s real economic indicators remain vulnerable: dependence on external markets persists, migration is increasing, and socio-economic inequality is growing.  Thus, the opposition proposes an alternative model of foreign policy — more pragmatic and multi-vector. In the face of growing internal challenges, ignoring this approach may prove too costly for Moldova.