It was seen as a way for Russia to prop up its currency and retaliate for Western sanctions, but it could cause global energy prices to spike. One analyst sees it as a warning to the rest of Europe.
One of Europe's poorest countries, Moldova has a separatist region that hosts 1,500 Russian troops. Since the Ukraine war, Moldova has applied to join the EU, even as it keeps a policy of neutrality.
The European Union is seeking China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions for invading Ukraine and cooperation on ending the war at today's virtual meeting.
As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds through its fourth week, President Vladimir Putin's greatest accomplishment so far may be one he never intended: a unified Europe.