The shop that once catered to local residents with flowers and gardening supplies is now focused on selling electric heaters to the freezing inhabitants of Transnistria, a self-declared microstate in eastern Moldova. This shift in inventory comes in the wake of a gas supply halt from Russia on New Year's Day, exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis in the region.
The energy crisis has led to the sale of cheaper electric heaters running out quickly, with higher-end models selling fast as the 350,000 residents face a winter without heating or hot water. Transnistria's president, Vadim Krasnoselsky, attempted to reassure citizens, stating, "We will not allow a societal collapse," while acknowledging the struggles faced by thousands of businesses, schools, and homes.
The crisis began when Gazprom, Russia’s energy giant, ceased gas supplies through Ukraine after a transit deal was not renewed. Unlike other regions affected by the gas cut, Transnistria faces an existential threat due to its historical reliance on Russian energy and support. Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean accused Russia of fostering an "impending humanitarian crisis" by neglecting its ally.
Alexandru Flenchea, a former Moldovan deputy prime minister, noted that while Russia still values Transnistria for strategic leverage, its reluctance to provide energy assistance signals serious trouble for the region. He emphasized that the economic model of Transnistria is heavily dependent on free Russian gas.
As Moldova adapts by sourcing electricity from more expensive alternatives, the pro-Western government faces potential political backlash due to rising energy costs. Former government official Vladislav Kulminski suggested that Russia aims to keep Moldova in a "gray zone" to influence future elections.
In Transnistria, a self-governing entity with its own currency and security forces, local media propagate narratives blaming external factors for the gas cutoff while absolving Russia. Residents express mixed feelings about their alignment with Moscow, with some expressing confidence that Russia will not abandon them.
The energy crisis has also impacted Moldova, particularly areas bordering Transnistria, where local leaders report significant hardship due to the loss of heating. The mayor of Varnita stated that many in the village can no longer heat their homes as they rely on energy from Transnistria.
As temperatures drop, residents are adjusting to the harsh winter conditions, with some resorting to electric heaters or alternative methods to stay warm. The situation remains precarious, with local officials and citizens alike uncertain about the future as they navigate the implications of the ongoing energy crisis.