Ukraine ready to help the Transnistrian region in energy crisis. Zelensky: “We are ready”
The separatist authorities in Tiraspol have not given any response to Ukraine’s proposal to supply coal to the Transnistrian region, in the context of the energy crisis generated by the interruption of Russian gas supplies by Gazprom, announced the leader in Kiev, Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, Ukraine is open to helping Moldovan citizens on the left bank of the Nistru who are suffering “due to the deliberate actions of the Russian Federation” that caused the crisis in the region.
“People are suffering. Russia's move is to undermine public sentiment in Moldova before the elections. Ukraine can help with coal supplies. However, we have not yet seen a response from those who control the situation on the left bank of the Nistru. If they are playing Russia’s game, it is one thing; it is quite another if they want to help Transnistrian people. For our part, we are ready,” says Volodymyr Zelensky.
Last week, President Maia Sandu and Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to work together to find common solutions that would mitigate the impact of the crisis in the Transnistrian region on the population and prevent its aggravation. The subject was addressed in a phone conversation between the two countries' leaders.
The Ukrainian president accused “Russia of using energy resources against the government in Chisinau, noting that Ukraine is ready to support the Republic of Moldova, including with coal.”
The Russian concern Gazprom has suspended natural gas supplies to the Republic of Moldova since January 1, citing a right-bank debt, disputed by an international audit, but without imposing conditions for the Transnistrian region, where debts exceed $11 billion. The energy crisis has forced the Cuciurgan power plant to use coal, but supplies are limited and could run out much faster than previously anticipated, Chisinau warned. Moreover, replacing them is almost impossible, since the type of coal needed to operate the plant is available only in the Donbas, a region occupied by Russia, from where transport is blocked.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s involvement could support the region and counter Kremlin propaganda, which is trying to attribute the crisis to the Chisinau government. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that the Republic of Moldova would not oppose Ukrainian aid. Such an initiative, the head of government said, would prevent a humanitarian crisis on the left bank of the Nistru.
