Hundreds of thousands of residents in Transnistria face a bitter winter without heating as the Russia-friendly local administration turned down offers to secure EU gas alternatives, according to documents obtained by European media.
The gas cutoff, which began on January 1, left homes, businesses, and public institutions across the breakaway region scrambling to cope as temperatures plummeted below freezing.
A letter from Tiraspoltransgaz, Transnistria’s state-controlled gas company, revealed that Moldova’s Moldovagaz had proposed facilitating gas purchases from European markets. However, Tiraspoltransgaz Director Igor Lisachenko rejected the offer, claiming it would mean abandoning Gazprom’s “stable supplies” in favor of “speculative” European sources with higher and unpredictable costs.
Transnistria, which declared independence from Moldova in the 1990s with Russian military backing, has historically received Russian gas free of charge. However, Gazprom halted supplies this year, citing €680 million in unpaid bills. Moldova disputes the claim, asserting independent audits place the debt closer to €8 million. Officials argue the Kremlin’s actions are designed to manufacture a humanitarian crisis that undermines Moldova’s pro-European stance.
Stanislav Secrieru, Moldova’s national security advisor, accused Russia of “weaponizing” gas to destabilize Transnistria and influence the country’s 2025 parliamentary elections, where pro-Kremlin parties hope to make gains.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis have been met with resistance. Moldovan officials say Transnistria’s leadership not only rejected European gas offers but also declined humanitarian aid, including generators. The situation has forced residents to insulate their homes as schools and kindergartens close due to the lack of heat and hot water.
“It’s astonishing,” remarked Aura Sabadus, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, “that amidst such a grave crisis, Transnistrian authorities refuse Moldova’s help. Instead of seeking immediate solutions to protect the population, they’re waiting on Russian aid that may never arrive.”
Moldovan sources suggest the Kremlin, not local leaders, dictated the decision to refuse external support. This ongoing standoff leaves Transnistria isolated and its population bracing for an unforgiving winter.
