Moldova's president condemns Russia's illegal gas tactics
Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, has declared gas deliveries from Russia to Transnistria illegal, stating that they violate international sanctions. Sandu emphasizes that using intermediaries for these deliveries contravenes Moldovan law.
President Maia Sandu has strongly opposed Russian gas supplies to the separatist region of Transnistria. According to Kommersant, she has highlighted that such actions breach international sanctions and Moldovan law.
She pointed out that "Gazprom," the main shareholder of "Moldovagaz," could facilitate legal gas deliveries through this company. However, she noted that Russia opts for non-transparent schemes involving intermediaries, which raises concerns about its intentions and Moscow's accountability.
As of January 1, "Gazprom" halted gas supplies to Europe, including Moldova, due to the lack of a contract extension with Ukraine. The authorities in Transnistria warned that gas reserves in the region could deplete within a month, which has already resulted in several casualties. In response, the leader of Transnistria, Vadim Krasnoselsky, announced on January 15 the potential resumption of 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." It is planned to deliver around 106 million cubic feet of gas daily from January to April, which could amount to $164 million.
Transnistrian residents have been advised to use electric heaters sparingly without central heating and hot water to avoid overloading the power grid.
Russian Gazprom is seeking new routes through Turkey and the Balkans despite the supply challenges. However, Ukraine and Russia are engaged in tense relations, and gas is becoming a negotiating tool in discussions regarding the region's future and a potential ceasefire, reports Kommersant.
