CHISINAU, Moldova — As the winter sets in, Moldovans are facing an impending energy crisis with the looming cessation of gas supplies scheduled by Russia’s state-owned energy giant, Gazprom. From January 1, the supplies will be cut off over an alleged debt of $709 million, a claim disputed by Moldova's pro-Western government, which accuses Moscow of leveraging energy as a tool for political instability.

On a frigid winter morning, 39-year-old postal worker Petru Murzin expressed his fears about the harsh realities of the upcoming cold months. “I feel that we’ve entered a crisis that is quite difficult to resolve … which worries me greatly,” Murzin told the Associated Press. “Price increases are one thing, but when there is no gas at all, that’s something entirely different.” His concerns echo the sentiments of many as the reduction of gas will disable the Kuciurgan power plant, the largest in Moldova and located within the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria. This plant is critical for supplying electricity to much of the country.

The situation has escalated tensions, particularly in Transnistria, which declared a state of emergency amidst fears of inadequate gas supplies. Approximately 470,000 residents, who primarily speak Russian, face dire consequences as the gas flow is cut. As temperatures plummet, many fear that disrupted energy supplies could lead to a humanitarian crisis, prompting people from Transnistria to seek assistance in neighboring Moldova.

Cristian Cantir, an associate professor of international relations, highlighted that the crisis is not only about energy; it also poses a threat to Moldovan national stability. He warned that Moscow might exploit this humanitarian crisis to escalate tensions between Moldova's government and Transnistrian leaders in Tiraspol.

In reaction to these threats, Moldova’s parliament implemented energy-saving measures, including reducing public lighting and permitting energy-intensive businesses to operate only during off-peak hours beginning January 1. “We’ll probably have to save power until we have a solution,” remarked Nicoleta Neagu, a Moldovan residing in Germany.

Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean accused the Kremlin of using energy as a weapon to undermine Moldova's integrity and claimed the alleged debt has been invalidated by international audits. President Maia Sandu labeled the cuts as classic energy blackmail designed to destabilize Moldova ahead of looming parliamentary elections in 2025, emphasizing the importance of national unity and resource management.

The rhetoric surrounding energy blackmail is not new, as Moldova has accused Russia of conducting a hybrid war, engaging in electoral interference and spreading disinformation to destabilize the government and thwart aspirations for European Union membership.

Gazprom's cut in supplies has far-reaching implications; Moldova plans to substitute the cheaper energy typically supplied by the Kuciurgan plant with more expensive imports from EU sources. However, the situation will be significantly bleaker in Transnistria, where resources are already critically strained.

As Moldova navigates this precarious situation, citizens like Murzin anticipate a surge of people from Transnistria seeking warmth and supplies. “I think cars will line up for several kilometers at the border,” he warned, reflecting the profound community anxieties intertwined with this energy crisis.

For further details, please refer to the original articles from VOA News, LA Times, and AP News.