Moldova's Transdniester Faces Severe Energy Crisis as Russian Gas Supply Ends

The Russian-backed breakaway region is grappling with freezing temperatures, power cuts, and factory shutdowns after a gas transit deal with Ukraine expired on January 1.

The Transdniester region, home to 400,000 people, has been left without Russian gas since January 1, forcing residents to rely on firewood and electric heaters for warmth.
Moldova’s government and Russia dispute the size of Moldova's gas debt, with Moscow claiming $709 million is owed, while Chisinau estimates it at only $9 million.
Transdniester's main power plant, now running on coal, has reserves sufficient for 30-50 days, raising fears of a complete electricity blackout if the situation persists.
Moldovan leaders accuse Russia of weaponizing energy to destabilize the country and undermine its pro-Western government ahead of parliamentary elections this year.
Authorities in Transdniester warn of potential technological failures at the power station and have urged residents to prepare for worsening conditions.