President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Photo: Johanna Geron/ Reuters
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the energy crisis in Transnistria and the Republic of Moldova is another attempt by Russia to use energy resources to put pressure on the Moldovan government. He said this in a statement on social media after a telephone conversation with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. This was reported by the official website of the
“The current situation in the energy sector in Moldova, particularly on the left bank of the Dniester, is a clear attempt by Russia to manipulate energy resources against the Moldovan government. Our common task is to help Moldova overcome these challenges and prevent social unrest that Moscow may provoke,” Zelenskyy stressed.
According to the President, Ukraine is ready to promote stability in the region, support the Moldovan people in finding alternative energy sources and help preserve peace. He also stressed that Kyiv and Chisinau continue their course towards integration into the European Union.
A press release issued by the Moldovan presidential administration stated that the leaders’ discussion focused on the humanitarian crisis in Transnistria, where thousands of people are suffering from a lack of heat, electricity and even drinking water. The leaders discussed the possibility of using alternative energy sources, such as coal, to mitigate the crisis.
Meanwhile, the situation has been further complicated by Gazprom’s decision to cut off gas supplies to Moldova from 1 January 2025 due to alleged arrears. In response to the energy shortage, the Transnistrian authorities have already introduced regular power cuts and restricted the operation of businesses, with the exception of the food industry.
The EU condemned Russia’s actions, calling them part of a “hybrid war” aimed at destabilising the region. Experts suggest that Moscow may resume gas supplies at the request of pro-Russian politicians in Moldova, creating favourable conditions for pro-Russian parties ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Ukraine and Moldova remain in solidarity in countering the Kremlin’s energy blackmail, demonstrating a common goal – stability and a European future for their peoples.
