Moldova Accuses Russia of Fabricating Energy Crisis in Transnistria

Moldova has accused Russia of orchestrating an energy crisis in the breakaway region of Transnistria to destabilize the country and exert pressure on Ukraine. The accusations come after Russia's state-owned energy company, Gazprom, halted gas exports to the region, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without heating and hot water.

Transnistria, a narrow strip of land bordering Ukraine, declared independence from Moldova in 1990 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The region maintains close ties with Russia, which has stationed around 1,000 troops there.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean believes the energy crisis is a deliberate act by Russia to destabilize the region. "This is a security crisis that Russia, through weaponization of energy, is trying to induce in the region," he stated. He further accused Russia of illegally stationing troops in Transnistria and preventing others from assisting the region.

Recean sees the crisis as an opportunity to improve relations between Moldova and Transnistria. "Our objective is to reintegrate the country," he declared, emphasizing the need for Russia to withdraw its troops. He proposes a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The European Union has also expressed concern over the situation and urged Transnistria to cooperate in finding alternative gas sources. The EU Commission has set up a working group to monitor the situation and mitigate the consequences of the halted gas supply.

With average temperatures in Moldova hovering around -7°C, the lack of gas has left many residents without heating, creating a dire situation. While some believe Transnistria is hoping Russia will intervene and provide a solution, the future remains uncertain.