Transnistria Faces Gas Supply Crisis

The breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova is facing a severe energy crisis following the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine, which occurred on New Year's Day. As a result, industrial operations have ground to a halt, with only food production remaining active, while heating and hot water have been cut off to households. Local authorities are urging residents to gather in single rooms for warmth and use electric heaters, as the region's gas reserves are expected to last only about ten days. Moldova's government has declared a state of emergency and is implementing measures to reduce energy consumption, while Transnistria's main power plant is currently switching to coal as a temporary energy solution. The situation has escalated tensions, with Moldovan officials accusing Russia of blackmail and the EU remaining relatively unaffected due to reduced dependence on Russian energy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterized the gas transit halt as a major defeat for Moscow, emphasizing the need for European support for Moldova during this crisis.