Moldova is facing a security crisis after Russian gas supplies to the separatist region of Transdniestria were abruptly cut off, leaving tens of thousands of residents without energy, according to Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Friday. The disruption occurred when Ukraine halted the flow of Russian gas to Central and Eastern Europe at the end of 2024, following Kyiv's decision to sever ties with Moscow.

Recean assured that Moldova would meet its energy demands through domestic production and imports. However, he pointed out that Transdniestria, despite its close ties with Moscow, has been severely impacted by the gas cutoff. "By jeopardizing the future of the protectorate it has supported for three decades in its attempt to destabilize Moldova, Russia is exposing the inevitable result for all its allies—betrayal and isolation," Recean remarked.

"We consider this a security crisis aimed at facilitating the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponizing our territory against Ukraine, with whom we share a 1,200 km border," he added.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moldova, a small southeastern European nation of about 2.5 million people, has drawn increased international attention, especially as tensions rise between Moscow and the West. President Maia Sandu, who was re-elected last year, has focused on pursuing reforms and advancing Moldova’s democratic process. Moldova is set to hold parliamentary elections this summer.

Transdniestria, which broke away from Moldova in the 1990s, has relied on Russian gas delivered via Ukraine. Moldova, in turn, depended on Transdniestria for a significant portion of its electricity. With Ukraine ceasing Russian gas transit, the Moldovan government has taken steps to secure alternative energy sources, including domestic production and electricity imports from Romania, Recean said.

Despite the challenges, the Moldovan government remains committed to providing aid to the enclave. "Alternative energy solutions, such as biomass systems, generators, humanitarian assistance, and essential medical supplies, are ready for delivery, should the breakaway leadership accept the support," a government statement noted.

Transdniestria's pro-Russian leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, has stated that the region has gas reserves sufficient to cover limited usage for ten days in the northern areas and up to twenty days in the south.