Energy Crisis Deepens in Moldova's Transdniestria as Gas Supplies Halted

Russia's suspension of gas deliveries heightens tensions, with accusations of political destabilization ahead of Moldovan elections.

Transdniestria, a pro-Russian separatist region in Moldova, has extended its state of emergency following a halt in Russian gas supplies on January 1.
Russia's Gazprom attributes the gas cutoff to $709 million in disputed Moldovan debts, a claim Moldova contests as politically motivated.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu accuses Moscow of engineering the crisis to destabilize her pro-European government before parliamentary elections.
Experts suggest Russia may use the crisis to stage a 'rescue operation' to bolster pro-Russian sentiment in the region and influence Moldova's political landscape.
Residents in Transdniestria face rolling blackouts, limited gas reserves, and potential humanitarian challenges as winter temperatures drop.