Moldova’s separatist region of Transdniestria has extended its state of emergency for another month as it struggles with an energy crisis following Russia’s suspension of gas supplies. The region faces power cuts and shortages amid rising tensions before Moldova's elections.

Transdniestria, the Moscow-backed separatist region of Moldova, has extended its state of emergency for another month due to an ongoing energy crisis. The crisis began after Russia’s Gazprom suspended gas exports to Transdniestria on January 1, citing Moldova’s unpaid debt of $709 million, a claim Moldova disputes, accusing Moscow of intentionally creating the crisis to destabilize the pro-Western government.

Russia had previously supplied gas to Transdniestria through Ukraine, but Moscow blames Kyiv for refusing to renew a gas transit deal that expired on December 31, due to Russian - Ukrainian war. Moldova, which supports Ukraine, argues that Russia could use an alternative route to continue the supply.

Since the gas cutoff, residents and businesses in Transdniestria have faced rolling power outages, gas shortages, and water supply issues. The separatist authorities have announced five-hour power cuts on Friday, and the state of emergency is set to remain in place until at least February 8.

Moldova’s government claims Russia is using the energy crisis to destabilize the country ahead of its parliamentary elections this summer. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has suggested that Gazprom could supply gas to Transdniestria via the TurkStream pipeline.

Transdniestria, which declared independence from Moldova in the final days of the Soviet Union, blames Moldova and Ukraine for the energy situation. The region’s gas reserves are reportedly sufficient for the next 24 days. Transdniestria still hosts 1,500 Russian soldiers and fought a brief war with Moldova in 1992.

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