Moscow ready to support Transnistria with gas supplies
Moscow is prepared to provide assistance to Transnistria, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, stated, according to RBC.
When asked to comment on reports about plans to purchase gas for the unrecognized republic on the European market after the cessation of transit through Ukraine, Peskov said: “Yes, Moscow will be ready and willing to assist Transnistria. Logistically, measures need to be taken by Moldova to ensure supply, but we have not heard any statements about their willingness to do so.”
Ukraine may oppose the transit of Russian gas through the Trans-Balkan corridor
Meanwhile, when asked by the Kyiv-based publication Evropeiska Pravda if Russia could theoretically resume gas deliveries to Tiraspol via the Trans-Balkan pipeline, which also crosses Ukrainian territory, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Zibiha responded that such a possibility would need to be examined, but stressed that the transit of Russian gas is “generally unacceptable.”
“For now, we are exploring the possibility of providing assistance to the Transnistrian region through joint efforts by Ukraine and the EU. This is a priority on the agenda,” the diplomat said, adding that Kyiv and the EU are currently focusing “on what can be done without Russian gas.”
The self-proclaimed leader of the Transnistrian region, Vadim Krasnoselski, recently announced that natural gas deliveries from Russia to the region would soon resume. These statements followed his visit to Moscow, where he met with officials from the Russian Ministry of Energy.
Details regarding the transport route and who will cover the transit costs remain unknown.
“The gas to be supplied will suffice to maintain the operation of all heating plants, generate electricity, and sustain industrial operations. It is intended for humanitarian purposes,” Krasnoselski said.
Subsequently, it was announced that Natural Gaz DC and Tiraspoltransgaz—an affiliate of the Russian concern “Gazprom”—signed a framework contract on Tuesday, January 14, for the delivery of natural gas to the Transnistrian region. A company from the right bank of the Dniester reportedly signed a gas supply contract with Tiraspoltransgaz to procure natural gas from European exchanges. The natural gas is expected to be purchased from European exchanges, meaning that for the first time, Tiraspol will have to pay the full price for the gas. This was confirmed by Arcadie Vicol, the head of Natural Gaz DC, in an interview with Ziarul Național. He also mentioned having a discussion with the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) regarding the contents of this contract.
It should be noted that Tiraspol has dismissed all mechanisms proposed by Chișinău.
Purchasing natural gas through the Romanian Commodities Exchange is one of the mechanisms proposed by Chișinău to Tiraspoltransgaz, especially since its parent company, Moldovagaz, has extensive experience in procuring from this exchange. Although this mechanism could enable immediate acquisitions, it remains disregarded, noted Secretary of State Constantin Borosan.
Another proposal, to which Tiraspol has not responded, was to process the natural gas purchased by Energocom into electricity at the Cuciurgan Power Plant. Producing electricity from natural gas, including for the needs of the left bank, would stabilize the energy system and prevent rolling blackouts in the region. Another offer rejected by Tiraspoltransgaz was technical and commercial support for organizing natural gas acquisitions and delivering them via the Trans-Balkan Pipeline, a route successfully tested by Energocom and Moldovagaz.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
