Moldova’s Separatist Region Warns Gas Supplies Nearing Depletion

The leader of Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria region, facing extreme energy shortages, warned that gas supplies would run out in just a few days, urging Moldova’s central government to address the delay in providing new supplies.

In response, Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean explained that the solution lies in either the resumption of Russian gas shipments through Gazprom or an agreement from Transdniestria to pay for gas purchased in European markets. The region, which declared independence from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union, had long relied on Russian gas traveling through Ukraine. However, Ukraine, embroiled in its war with Russia, has refused to extend the gas transit agreement, leaving Transdniestria in an energy crisis.

Vadim Krasnoselsky, Transdniestria’s self-appointed president, stated that many of the region’s 350,000 residents were falling ill or dying from the effects of unsafe heating practices, such as carbon monoxide poisoning from makeshift fires. He warned that without gas, it could take up to three months to restore heat to homes and residential buildings.

Krasnoselsky accused Moldova of deliberately delaying the resolution, alleging that Moldova was stalling by making false accusations. Despite Transdniestria’s willingness to pay for European gas, he said Moldova had failed to deliver the promised supplies.

Moldova’s government denied the accusations and emphasized that no payments had been received from Transdniestria for gas. Gazprom has demanded a settlement of $709 million in arrears before agreeing to resume gas shipments, a sum disputed by Moldova.