Wed Jan 01 09:06:54 UTC 2025: ## Transdniestria Freezes as Russia Halts Gas Supply
**Tiraspol, Moldova –** The pro-Russian breakaway region of Transdniestria plunged into a heating and hot water crisis on Wednesday after Russia cut off its gas supply via Ukraine. The disruption followed the expiration of a gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine, leaving Transdniestria’s residents facing frigid temperatures.
Local energy company Tirasteploenergo confirmed the cuts, stating that the disruption began at 7 a.m. local time. While essential services like hospitals were exempted, residents were advised to conserve heat by bundling up, limiting their movement to a single room, and using electric heaters. The company strictly warned against using gas or electric stoves for heating, citing safety risks.
Transdniestria, which declared independence from Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union, has relied on Russian gas transit through Ukraine. Despite a plea to the Kremlin last month for assistance, the gas supply was severed, leaving the region, home to approximately 1,500 Russian troops, grappling with the consequences. Moldova accuses Russia of using energy dependence to destabilize the country, a claim Russia denies. The situation raises concerns about the potential for further instability in the region.
First Piper 