Transnistria without gas: what the Kremlin is up to and what Ukraine has to do with it

Journalists from the Center for Public Investigations decided to find out who controls the energy sector in the Transnistrian region and how this threatens Ukraine.

This is discussed in the article.

Since January 1, 2025, Russia has stopped supplying gas to Moldova, which has caused a large-scale energy crisis, especially in the unrecognized "Transnistrian Moldovan Republic" (TMR). Moscow explains this decision by the end of fuel transit through Ukraine and Chisinau's refusal to recognize its $709 million debt to Gazprom, most of which was formed due to gas supplies to occupied Transnistria.

Moldova was able to stabilize the situation with the support of the EU, while Transnistria was on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Most businesses in the region shut down, rolling power cuts were introduced for 5 hours a day, and centralized heating and hot water became unavailable to the population.

A key role in the energy situation is played by the Moldovan State District Power Plant (MoldDPP), which supplies electricity to both the TMR and Moldova. Due to gas shortages, the plant has switched to coal, but its reserves will last only until the end of January. Moldovan President Maia Sandu discussed the issue of coal aid with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but Tiraspol refused Ukrainian support.

Meanwhile, on January 15, the "president" of the Transnistrian region, Vadim Krasnosilsky, arrived in Moscow to discuss possible supplies of Russian gas under the "humanitarian aid" scheme. However, the specific timing of the resumption of supplies is still unknown.

Experts say that Moscow is using gas as a tool of pressure, seeking to influence the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova. The Kremlin is trying to change the republic's European course, strengthen its military presence in Transnistria and potentially involve the region in a conflict against Ukraine.

In addition, the crisis exacerbates the issue of Ukraine's energy security. Part of Odesa region receives electricity from Transnistria, which makes the region vulnerable. Kyiv has already started building alternative energy routes to reduce its dependence on the occupied territory.

Thus, the energy crisis in Moldova has not only a humanitarian dimension, but also serious geopolitical implications that could affect stability in the region.

Ірина Глухова