FAKE NEWS: Moldova blocks Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria

FAKE NEWS: Moldova blocks Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria
© EPA-EFE/DUMITRU DORU   |   Gas pipes near the Moldovagaz building in Chisinau, Moldova, 06 January 2025.

Chișinău blocks Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria, a region with a stable economy that Kyiv and Chișinău are trying to suffocate, according to a comment published by the Russian website dzen.ru.

NEWS: Transnistria is undergoing an energy and economic crisis, which broke out after gas transit via Ukraine was cut off. Zelenskyy and Sandu are trying to suffocate the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR). It doesn't matter that Moldovans and Ukrainians will Suffer. What's important Is that Transnistrians suffer even more. It is exactly like the parable of the envious man who asked God to leave him with one eye, so that his neighbor would remain blind in both.

[...] Transnistria can be called a “corporate country”. Over half of the republic's income is generated by the "Sheriff" holding, which has various activities - from telecommunications to agriculture. Transnistria is home to the world's largest textile plant, “Tirotex”, which supplies fabrics in Europe and the USA, as well as to one of the world's most advanced sturgeon farms that produces black caviar (7 tons per year). Also, the "Sheriff" sports club in Tiraspol has hosted matches in Champions League in football. Despite all the obstacles put forward by Moldova, the standard of living in Transnistria has increased in recent years - for instance, people have started to buy more cars and house appliances (although they are 30-60% more expensive compared to Moscow).

[...] Russia might continue to deliver gas to the Moldovan Thermal Power Plant in Transnistria even after the transit ban via Ukraine. The gas could have been rerouted through the “Turkish Stream” gas pipeline and further through the territory of Moldova. However, Sandu blocked this scenario. For her, a citizen of Romania, the Moldovans living in the Republic of Moldova do not matter. On the contrary, it seems that she would have nothing against “punishing” them for the results of the recent presidential election. Inside the country, Sandu lost the election, and the overall victory, obtained with a minimal margin, was ensured by the votes from the Moldovan diaspora in Europe.

[...] Sandu and Zelenskyy want to suffocate Transnistria without bloodshed – through a blockade. Much in the same way that the Nazis tried to suffocate Leningrad.

What will Russia do now? Will our leadership manage to find a solution to this difficult situation? We will see. But it is obvious that if this does not happen and Transnistria, like Syria, is lost, the next target will be the Kaliningrad region. The enemy is raising the stakes in negotiations on Ukraine.

NARRATIVES: 1. The Republic of Moldova blocked Russian gas deliveries to Transnistria via the Turkish Stream pipeline. 2. Chișinău and Kyiv caused the energy crisis in Transnistria. 3. Transnistria is a developing economic oasis that the Republic of Moldova is trying to suffocate.

OBJECTIVE: To blame Chișinău and Kyiv for the energy crisis in the separatist region in order to stir unrest in Transnistria. At the same time, to draw attention away from Moscow's decisions that led to cutting off gas supplies.

WHY THE NARRATIVES ARE FALSE: After the termination of the gas transit contract with Ukraine, the Russian Federation could have continued delivering gas to Transnistria through the so-called Trans-Balkan corridor. This scenario was suggested by Chișinău, but Moscow refused. Gazprom demanded Moldova pay a debt of over 700 million USD, which Chișinău does not recognize.

In return, Moscow and Tiraspol launched a large-scale disinformation campaign whereby they blamed Chișinău and Kiev for the energy crisis in Transnistria. Veridica has proved this was actually caused by Gazprom’s refusal to continue deliveries through other channels, but also by Tiraspol’s refusal to purchase gas at market prices, as the right bank of the Dniester does.

The narrative about Transnistria being an economic and social “haven” that Kyiv and Chișinău are trying to destroy is exaggerated, to say the least. In fact, Transnistria’s economy largely relies on the free gas it receives from Russia, and the region is considered Europe’s “black hole” due to smuggling and illicit trade. Although controlled by Russia, the region's foreign trade is oriented towards the European Union, where about 70% of Transnistrian exports are bound. The average salary in Transnistria stood at roughly $450 in 2024, compared to $800 on the right bank of the Dniester.

BACKGROUND: Starting January 1, the separatist region of Transnistria, de facto controlled by Moscow, is no longer receiving gas supplies from Gazprom, after Ukraine no longer signed the contract for the transit of Russian gas via its territory. The interruption of supplies has led to disconnections of energy, gas, heating and hot water in the region. In addition, the situation also causes budget difficulties for Tiraspol. The largest amount of gas was used to produce electricity, which it sells on the right bank of the Dniester at lower prices compared to regional markets. The low price is explained by the fact that the separatist region does not pay for its gas input. Electricity supplies account for a significant part of the breakaway region's income. Moreover, thanks to free gas and very cheap electricity, the separatist region's industry has also been able to produce and export at products at prices below market levels.

  • Publication / Media:
    dzen.ru
  • Date of publication:
    15/01/2025
  • Target audience:
    The population of Transnistria
  • Political affiliation:
    The Kremlin
  • Key narrative:
    Chișinău and Kyiv are responsible for the energy crisis in Transnistria
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