The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that “…the energy and humanitarian crisis in Pridnestrovie, caused by the cessation of gas supply, continues to escalate, with the situation showing a persistent trend toward deterioration.”
Vitaly Ignatiev noted industrial enterprises are not operating, the Pridnestrovians lack a heating and hot water, and rolling blackouts have been implemented. He stated that resilience is limited by the strict timeframe amid the state of emergency.
“The issue needs to be resolved as quickly as possible, within the next week or two. Resuming of natural gas supply is the only solution as the energy-generating station depends on it. This would allow the situation to stabilize,” the Minister said.
He reminded that a set of measures is being implemented in Pridnestrovie to minimize the negative consequences of the energy crisis, including the establishment of an Operational Headquarters that continuously monitors the republic’s vital systems. Energy generators and solid-fuel boilers have been procured for certain medical and social facilities, the network of clinics and kindergartens have been optimized, and all schools in the republic have been closed with winter holidays extended. Volunteer organizations are providing assistance to elderly people living alone.
Russian journalists asked whether Chisinau had proposed any solutions to address the problems caused by the unresolved issue of JSC Moldovagaz’s debt obligations to PJSC Gazprom.
“No, unfortunately, we have not received anything specific from the Moldovan side. The Moldovan letter contains no specifics, only insults, attacks, and very negative remarks towards the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. There is neither sympathy nor a genuine intention to help Pridnestrovie”.
Speaking about the prospects of resolving the energy crisis, Vitaly Ignatiev stated that Pridnestrovie still has the option of receiving natural gas via the former route – through Ukrainian territory. There is also an alternative option – through the “TurkStream” via the Trans-Balkan pipeline.
“Last year there were some periods when we received gas in this way, and today it it’s still technically feasible. There are administrative, organizational, and legal aspects. All of this requires certain efforts, including from Moldova, which, as is known from Gazprom’s letter, has an outstanding debt to the Russian counterpart”, the Minister said.