Could gas dispute help Moldova reclaim Transnistria? Diplomat's opinion
Photo: Gas disputes could be Moldova's key to reclaiming Transnistria (Getty Images)
Transnistria is facing new challenges due to a gas crisis caused by Russia's refusal to supply gas. However, Moldova should not rush to reclaim the unrecognized region under its control, said Andrii Veselovskyi, an ambassador and adviser at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, in a commentary to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
Veselovskyi compared the situation in Moldova to a gardener waiting for an apple to ripen and fall naturally. “A good gardener waits for the apple to ripen. He’ll spread straw to catch it, but won’t pluck it prematurely, as there might be more that falls with it,” he said.
According to him, the situation in Transnistria is critical, but people there are yet to realize it.
“Transnistria is dying. But thanks to Russia and cheap gas for 30 years, it has been holding on. Now that lifeline has been cut,” he explained.
Veselovskyi emphasized that the moment when residents of the region will turn to their leadership demanding change is approaching.
“This is the moment that has to happen. And when it happens, then without blood, without danger, without aggression, Chisinau will say, ‘Well, we’re ready, come,’” he stated.
However, he warned against repeating the events of the 1990s, when attempts to resolve the conflict through force resulted in casualties.
“That cannot be allowed, and I believe Moldova’s leaders are wise enough to understand that,” Veselovskyi concluded.
Energy problems in Transnistria
On January 1, 2025, Russian Gazprom ceased supplying gas to Transnistria, citing unpaid payment obligations.
This move led to immediate consequences:
- The region experienced the shutdown of centralized heating and hot water supply.
- Nearly all industrial enterprises ceased operations.
Transnistria's leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, reported that the region's main power plant has switched from gas to coal.
