Transdniestria ends power cuts as EU funds gas shipments

Authorities in Moldova’s separatist Transdniestria region restored power and heating on Monday after a month-long energy crisis. The European Union provided €64 million to fund natural gas shipments, following Ukraine’s decision to halt Russian gas transit through its territory.

Residents of Transdniestria saw electricity and heating return on Monday after a month-long power outage caused by gas shortages. The EU-funded gas shipments allowed local authorities to restart central heating systems amid freezing winter temperatures.

The Russian-backed separatist enclave, home to 350,000 people, had previously relied on Russian gas flowing through Ukraine. However, Kyiv refused to extend the transit deal beyond January 1, arguing it indirectly supported Russia’s war effort.

Over the weekend, Moldovan energy company Moldovagaz delivered 3 million cubic meters of gas to the region, with purchases continuing on European markets. The funding from the EU is expected to sustain Transdniestria’s energy needs until February 10, though no agreement has been reached for supplies beyond that date.

Transdniestria’s self-declared president, Vadim Krasnoselsky, thanked EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the financial support and acknowledged Moldovan specialists’ role in managing gas deliveries.

Residents expressed relief at the return to normal life. Schools and businesses are gradually reopening, though some areas remain without full services.

Tensions between Russia and Moldova over energy supplies persist. Moldova has shifted to European electricity suppliers, reducing reliance on Transdniestria’s thermal power plant. Meanwhile, Russian energy giant Gazprom has refused to reroute gas flows unless Moldova settles disputed arrears of $709 million, a claim Chisinau disputes.

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