Europe As An Option: Russia Offers Gas Support to Transnistria Amid Energy Crisis

Russia is exploring ways to help the unrecognized Transnistria purchase gas through European spot markets using an intermediary company, with costs covered by the Russian budget, Orda reports, citing Kommersant.  

The plan envisions purchasing about 3 million cubic meters of gas daily from January to April at an estimated cost of $164 million.

Moscow is ready to provide assistance, purely logistical actions should be taken by Moldova. We haven't heard any statements about our readiness to do this yet, confirmed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

The proposed arrangement would bypass the need for coordination with Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, making it more expedient than using the Turkish Stream pipeline.

The initiative comes as Transnistria faces a severe energy crisis following the suspension of Russian gas supplies on January 1, 2025, leaving thousands without gas.