Transnistria in cold as Russia halts gas supply through Ukraine
Russia's cessation of gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine has sparked a significant energy crisis in the separatist region of Transnistria. The region has halted heating and hot water services for residents, requesting their patience. This development exacerbates tensions between Moldova and Russia, reports Reuters.
The separatist region of Moldova, Transnistria, cut off heating and hot water in households on Wednesday, impacting about 450,000 residents. This decision was prompted by Russia's stoppage of gas transit through Ukraine.
"There is no heating or hot water," said a representative of the local energy company Tirasteploenergo. The situation results from the expiration of the transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine, further complicated by the ongoing conflict, reports Reuters.
Transnistria's leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, stated that the region was prepared for this:
Things will get better. Think about yourself, your family, your loved ones, appealed Krasnoselsky, pointing to the payment conflict between Moldova and Gazprom.
Reactions of Ukraine and Europe
Ukraine refused to extend the gas transit agreement, which President Volodymyr Zelensky called "one of Moscow's biggest defeats." He emphasized that supporting Moldova in this energy transition is now a shared responsibility for Europe.
Moldova is taking measures to reduce energy consumption by one-third, using domestic production and imports from Romania. Government spokesperson Daniel Voda assured that gas reserves are sufficient for the winter, and power plants are operating normally. He also highlighted efforts to find alternatives to help residents of Transnistria.
According to Reuters, the local energy company in Transnistria urged residents to take preventive measures such as reducing heat loss and using electric heaters. "It is forbidden to use gas or electric stoves to heat the apartment - this can lead to tragedy," warned the company.
The Transnistrian parliament asked the Kremlin to negotiate a new gas agreement with Ukraine. Russia promised to protect its citizens and soldiers in the region; however, resolving the crisis remains uncertain.
In Tiraspol, where the temperature was about 4°C, residents are trying to cope with the challenging situation. Olga, a mother of two children, said they are prepared. “We prepared two rooms for this emergency and installed electric fireplaces there for heating, since they promised not to disconnect us from the electricity. So we will hold on like this, hoping that this whole situation with gas is temporary,” she emphasized.
