Russian Gas Cutoff Deepens Moldova's Energy Crisis and Political Tensions
Transdniestria faces severe power outages as Russia halts gas supplies, raising fears of destabilization and potential aggression.
- Russia's Gazprom stopped gas supplies to Moldova's separatist Transdniestria region on January 1, citing a disputed $709 million debt.
- The gas cutoff has led to widespread power outages and heating shortages in Transdniestria, with reserves projected to last only 20 days.
- Moldova and Ukraine offered alternative energy support to Transdniestria, but separatist leaders rejected these proposals, blaming Moldova for the crisis.
- Analysts and officials believe Russia is leveraging the energy crisis to destabilize Moldova's pro-Western government ahead of parliamentary elections.
- Kremlin officials have suggested Moldova's policies threaten Russian 'compatriots,' fueling concerns of potential future aggression similar to actions in Ukraine.
Ukrinform 
