Moldova challenges the legality of Russian gas to Transnistria
Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, has declared gas supplies from Russia to Transnistria illegal, claiming they violate international sanctions. Sandu emphasizes that deliveries through intermediaries are against Moldovan law.
Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, opposes the delivery of gas from Russia to separatist Transnistria. According to Kommersant, she points out that such actions violate international sanctions and Moldovan law.
She highlighted that "Gazprom," the main shareholder of "Moldovagaz," could organize legal gas deliveries through this company. However, as she noted, Russia chooses non-transparent schemes involving intermediaries, which raises doubts about its intentions and Moscow's responsibility.
From January 1st, "Gazprom" halted gas supplies to Europe, including Moldova, due to the lack of contract extension with Ukraine. Authorities in Transnistria warned that gas reserves in the region could run out within a month, which has already led to several deaths. In response, the leader of Transnistria, Vadim Krasnoselsky, on January 15th announced the possibility of resuming Russian gas supplies as a form of "humanitarian aid."
Purchase on the European market
According to Kommersant, Moscow and Tiraspol are considering purchasing gas on the European spot market through an intermediary company instead of using the "Turkish Stream." Approximately 3 million cubic metres of gas will be delivered daily from January to April, which may cost 221 million Canadian dollars.
Without central heating and hot water, residents of Transnistria were advised to use electric heaters sparingly to avoid overloading the electrical network.
Russian Gazprom is looking for new routes through Turkey and the Balkans despite supply issues. However, Ukraine and Russia are divided by a tense relationship, where gas has become a bargaining chip in broader negotiations regarding the region's future and the ceasefire, writes "Kommersant."
