CHISINAU, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The leader of Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region, Vadim Krasnoselsky, announced on Wednesday that they are expecting to resume receiving Russian gas soon in order to address the urgent needs of the area. This comes after two weeks of severe power cuts in the Russian-supported enclave.
Since Jan. 1, the people in Transdniestria have been facing gas and winter heating shortages due to Russia's Gazprom halting gas exports to the region. This suspension was attributed to an alleged Moldovan debt of $709 million, which Chisinau does not acknowledge as valid.
Blaming the gas supply suspension on pro-Western Moldova and Ukraine, Moscow pointed out that the two countries refused to renew a five-year gas transit agreement that expired on Dec. 31, arguing that the profits from this deal fund Russia's military actions.
Krasnoselsky expressed optimism during a news briefing, stating, "I hope that as a result of these negotiations in Moscow, gas will be provided to Transdniestria for electricity generation and the well-being of our citizens in the near future." He further specified that the gas would be considered humanitarian aid, essential to meet the needs of the people of Transdniestria for heating, electricity production, and for the operation of industrial enterprises in the region.
As of now, Russia has not issued any official statements on this matter. Krasnoselsky confirmed that further talks are planned to determine the commencement date of gas deliveries and the transportation route.
Transdniestria, a small pro-Russian separatist region primarily populated by Russian speakers, situated along the Dniester River and Ukraine's border, historically received around 2 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually through Ukraine. This gas was crucial for heating homes, generating electricity, and selling excess energy to the rest of Moldova.
Despite having valid agreements and alternative transit options, Moldova alleges that Gazprom is deliberately withholding gas supplies to undermine its government before this year's parliamentary elections. Moldova has sought gas from other European sources and offered assistance to Transdniestria in purchasing gas, but the separatist leaders rejected the offer, placing blame on Moldova for the crisis.
Moldova Prime Minister Dorin Recean denounced the situation, accusing the Kremlin of holding the people of Transdniestria hostage in harsh conditions, aiming to empower pro-Russian factions in Moldova that could incite conflict and disrupt public order.