A small, mainly Russian-speaking region in Moldova, known as Transdniestria, is feeling the pain of a severing of gas route to Europe due to Russia’s dispute with Ukraine. The move has resulted in households losing heat and hot water, leading residents to queue for electric heaters and stoves.
Transdniestria, home to around 450,000 people, relies heavily on free gas provided by Russia. However, when Ukraine refused to extend a transit deal allowing Russia to pump gas across its territory, the supply was cut off on New Year’s Day. The immediate effect was severe: industrial production ground to a halt and central heating and hot water were shut off.
Residents are struggling to cope with the sudden loss of heat. Many are relying on Soviet-era electric stoves and heaters, while some have even lit fires in their homes. The region’s authorities are working to conserve what little gas remains, but it is clear that this crisis has significant implications for those living in Transdniestria.
The situation has been described as a “security crisis” by Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who claims Russia is attempting to enable the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponize its territory against Ukraine. Russia denies using gas as a tool for coercion, but Moscow has vowed to protect its citizens and troops in Transdniestria.
As the region struggles to cope with this crisis, residents are counting on Russia to come to their aid. The situation is further complicated by concerns about rising prices for essential goods such as bread and pasta, which have increased since the gas cut-off.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-backed-enclave-moldova-feels-pain-lack-russian-gas-2025-01-03