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Headline: Gas Crisis in Transnistria: Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit, Leaving Homes and Businesses in the Cold

Subheading: Massive gas outages hit Transnistria on New Year’s Day as Ukraine severs Russian gas transit, leaving residents and businesses in the cold.

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In a significant turn of events, Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian gas on January 1 has left the breakaway region of Transnistria grappling with mass gas outages. The move, aimed at complying with European Union sanctions against Russia, has left residents and businesses in the unrecognized republic scrambling for warmth and alternative energy sources.

Gas Shortages Hit Homes and Businesses

The gas crisis in Transnistria began on New Year’s Day, with the region’s gas transportation company, "Tirasgaz," announcing emergency gas cuts. Affected areas include residential buildings with central heating, private homes, and businesses relying on autonomous heating systems. Despite the outages, gas supplies for cooking were maintained, albeit temporarily, as pressure in the gas network began to drop critically.

Residents have been advised to close their gas valves and refrain from attempting to restore gas supplies independently. Local media outlets have confirmed the mass gas outages, with residents reporting the sudden loss of heat and hot water.

Preceding Energy Shortages

The gas crisis in Transnistria is not an isolated incident. On December 30, the region’s heating and hot water supplier, "Tirasteplo," announced the suspension of heating and hot water supplies in residential buildings due to the cessation of gas deliveries. Hospitals and social institutions remained exempt from these cuts.

Moldova’s State of Emergency

The gas crisis in Transnistria comes amidst Moldova’s state of emergency in energy, declared on December 13 and set to last for 60 days. The government’s decision was driven by uncertainty surrounding Russian gas supplies following Ukraine’s halt of transit.

Russia’s Gas Supply Cessation

On December 28, Russia’s Gazprom officially announced the cessation of gas supplies to Transnistria, citing unmet payment obligations. Despite having a gas supply contract with Moldova until October 2026, Gazprom has been limiting gas supplies to 5.7 million cubic meters per day since autumn 2022, significantly below Moldova’s winter consumption needs.

Transnistria’s Reliance on Russian Gas

Transnistria has been entirely reliant on Russian gas for its energy needs, with the Molotovka power plant generating electricity using Russian gas. The remaining gas is allocated for residential consumption.

Looking Ahead

As the gas crisis in Transnistria unfolds, the region and its residents face an uncertain future. With no immediate resolution in sight, they must brace for the cold winter ahead and explore alternative energy sources. The international community watches closely as the situation develops, with potential implications for regional stability and energy security.

Stay informed with "European Truth" for more updates on this developing story.

Title: Looming Humanitarian Disaster in Russian-Occupied Transnistria is asking Russia for protection. Here’s what to know – CNN”>Transnistria as Heat and Power Dwindle

In the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria, a part of Moldova, a colossal humanitarian crisis is brewing. After "Gazprom" ceased gas supplies at the start of January, the region has been left without heat, and electrical power is next in line to be cut off.

Local news outlets report that the Molдавская ГРЭС (Moldavian Power Plant), situated in Transnistria, has switched to coal following the gas suspension. However, coal reserves are insufficient, with current supplies only lasting until mid-February – approximately 50 days – to keep the lights on for regional residents. The power plant, owned by the Russian company Inter RAO, has also halted electricity exports to the rest of Moldova under government control.

Transnistrian authorities claim they have "measures in place" to mitigate the impact of the gas cessation, while Moldova’s national energy company, Energocom, has stated it will bridge the resultant power deficit by increasing local production and importing power from Romania.

Earlier reports by Dialog.UA indicated that the halt in Russian gas deliveries led to the shutdown of heating and hot water systems across the region, with only hospitals maintaining their supplies.

The gas crisis in Transnistria can be traced back to late last year when Gazprom announced it would halt gas supplies to Moldova, including those destined for Transnistria. Russia’s state-owned gas giant cited Moldova’s unwillingness to address its debt as the reason for the move. Moldovan officials, however, have maintained that the debt in question was declared null and void by an independent international audit.

Breaking: Moldovan Authorities Uncover New Network of Illegal Migration Involving Ukrainian Men

Moldovan law enforcement has revealed a newly discovered network facilitating illegal migration for Ukrainian men, according to a report by "European Truth" citing Newsmaker.

In a statement issued on December 29, the Moldovan Border Police disclosed that members of this criminal group were aiding Ukrainian conscripts to illegally cross the border with Moldova, demanding USD 10,000 in exchange. The group was operational in the region surrounding the Ukrainian town of Kodym and the Moldovan village of Plop.

The Border Police detailed that once the migrants entered Moldova, they were handed over to other group members who exploited the situation, promising ‘legalization’ in return for additional payments. These men were later illicitly transported to countries within the European Union.

On December 13, a 23-year-old Moldovan national, who is part of the criminal ring, was apprehended in Chisinau. He was initially held for 72 hours before being released under house arrest for 30 days.

This operation is hailed as a significant step in combating organized crime that threatens national security and undermines international migration laws. Investigations continue to identify all involved and ensure criminal prosecution.

Earlier, Polish border guards had refuted disinformation spread by pro-Kremlin accounts about an alleged new wave of Ukrainian refugees.

Stay informed with "European Truth"!

Headline: Moldova‘s Premier Threatens Arbitration Over Russia‘s Gas Cutoff

Subhead: Chisinau vows to explore legal options as Gazprom halts supplies to Transnistria, leaving Moldova vulnerable this winter.

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Moldova’s Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, has not ruled out taking Russia’s Gazprom to international arbitration following the company’s decision to halt gas supplies to the breakaway region of Transnistria from January 1, 2025. Recean, in a Facebook post, accused Russia of using energy as a political weapon, leaving Transnistria’s residents without heat and light this winter.

"Russia is using energy as a political weapon, turning the population of the Transnistrian region, which it controls through its illegally stationed army, into hostages," Recean wrote. He also dismissed any alleged debt claims, stating that the Moldovan government "does not recognize any debt that has been deemed invalid by international audit."

Recean reassured the public that Moldova has diversified its gas sources to reduce dependence on a single supplier for the right bank. However, he warned that the government is prepared for any scenario and is exploring legal options, including international arbitration, to protect Moldova’s national interests and seek compensation for economic damages caused by Russia’s decisions.

Gazprom announced its decision to halt supplies due to unpaid bills, a move that could leave Moldova, which relies heavily on Russian gas, vulnerable this winter. Moldova’s energy crisis has been exacerbated by Ukraine’s refusal to extend its gas transit contract with Russia, prompting Chisinau to declare a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector.

While an alternative route via the Trans-Balkan pipeline through Turkey exists, Moldova’s refusal to recognize Transnistria’s debt to Russia complicates the resumption of supplies. Moldova has been grappling with the fallout from Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, including Transnistria.

For more on Moldova’s energy crisis and its implications, read "How to Liquidate Transnistria: All About Scenarios for Moldova’s ‘Forced’ Unification and Their Consequences" and "Moldova Pricked by the Gas Needle: Why the Country Declared an Energy State of Emergency and What It Has to Do with Transnistria."

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Title: Moldova‘s Interim Gas Boss Responds to Gazprom‘s Supply halt; PM Condemns Russia’s ‘Political Weapon’ Use

The interim chairman of Moldovagaz, Vadim Cheban, has acknowledged Gazprom’s decision to halt gas supplies to Moldova starting January 1, 2025. In a statement, Cheban revealed that since December 2022, all Russian gas had been rerouted to the Pridnestrovian region. Meanwhile, gas for consumers on the right bank of the Dniester River has been sourced from regional and European markets.

Notably, Cheban confirmed that Moldovagaz has secured sufficient gas volumes to fully meet the right bank’s demand until March 2025.

Gazprom’s Justification and Moldova’s PM Response

Gazprom cited unfulfilled payment obligations as the reason for its decision. However, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Reчан dismissed this as yet another move by Russia to leave the residents of the Pridnestrovian region without heating and electricity this winter. He accused Russia of using energy as a political tool and hostage-taking, as it controls the region through its illegal military presence.

Rechán firmly condemned Russia’s coercive tactics and stated that Moldova does not recognize the debt declared invalid by international audit. He emphasized that Moldova has diversified its gas sources to reduce dependence on a single supplier. In response to Gazprom’s move, he reassured citizens that the government will ensure gas supplies from alternative sources and protect vulnerable consumers.

Furthermore, Rechán hinted at exploring legal avenues, including international arbitration, to safeguard Moldova’s national interests and seek compensation for economic damages and threats to citizens’ security caused by Russia’s decisions.

Headline: Gazprom Halts Gas Supplies to Moldova; Ukraine‘s Transit Set to End

Subhead: Russian gas giant cites unpaid debts as reason for supply halt; Ukraine stands firm on transit contract.

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Russian energy titan Gazprom has announced an impending halt to natural gas supplies to Moldova, effective from January 1, 2025. The decision, communicated to Moldovagaz, the recipient of the supplies, is allegedly due to unpaid debts accrued by Moldova.

In a statement, Gazprom accused Moldova of failing to meet its payment obligations under the existing contract, deeming it a "significant breach" of the agreement. Consequently, Gazprom will impose a daily supply cap of 0 cubic meters from January 1, 2025, at 08:00 Moscow Standard Time. This restriction will remain in place until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz otherwise in writing.

Moldovagaz, however, has confirmed receipt of Gazprom’s decision and revealed that it has secured alternative gas supplies for the right bank of the Dniester River until the end of March 2025. The company also clarified that it has been receiving 5.7 million cubic meters of gas daily from Gazprom to supply the left bank region since December 2022.

Coincidentally, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine’s territory will cease on the same day, December 31, 2024, at 07:00 Kyiv time. Ukraine had previously declared its intention not to extend the existing transit contract with Russia beyond 2024.

In response to the impending gas crisis, Moldova declared a 60-day state of emergency in its energy sector starting December 16, 2024, citing the risk of disrupted gas supplies to the breakaway region of Transnistria.

As the region braces for potential energy shortages, all eyes are on the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving these escalating issues.

Headline: Breaking: Moldovan President Reports Russian Missile Infringing on Its Airspace

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In a significant development, Moldovan President Maia Sandu has reported that Russian airspace violation took place early Wednesday, December 25. Sandu took to Twitter, stating, "While our countries celebrate Christmas, Kremlin chooses destruction—targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and violating Moldova’s airspace with a missile, actions that clearly violate international law. Moldova condemns these acts and stands in full solidarity with Ukraine."

The incident occurred as Russia launched another large-scale rocket attack on Ukraine. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than 70 rockets and over 100 drones were fired, with Ukrainian air defense managing to shoot down more than 50 rockets and a significant portion of the drones.

Earlier reports from Ukrainian Air Force indicated a cruise missile heading towards Chernivtsi from Moldovan territory. Monitoring groups allege the Russian missile traversed 140 kilometers across Moldova and Romania, entering from the area near Yampol in Vinnytsia Oblast (near the Moldovan border) and exiting near Darabani in Romania ( near the Moldovan border). Romanian authorities have yet to confirm these reports.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential risks posed by the conflict in Ukraine to its neighbors. President Sandu’s statement sends a clear message of support for Ukraine and a strong condemnation of Russia’s disregard for international law.

Russia Launches Massive strikes Across Ukraine on Christmas Day

Ukraine faces a nationwide air alert as Russian forces unleash a barrage of attacks, marking a grim holiday for millions.

Ukraine’s Air Force Command confirmed rocket launches by Russian occupying forces early on Wednesday, December 25.

Rocket strikes using the "Kaliber" type hit various regions across Ukraine, according to updates from the Air Force’s official Telegram channel. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defenses remain engaged with Russian drones, specifically "Shahed" types, which have been active in northern contexts.

Regional updates as of 12:00 GMT:

• Kyiv: The capital faces multiple rocket strikes, with some hitting civilian areas. Power outages are reported across the city.
• Ivano-Frankivsk: The city is under attack, with air defense activativites ongoing and potential electricity issues.
• Харьков (Kharkiv): Incoming strikes trigger air raid sirens, impacting civilian areas.
• Western & Central Ukraine: Rockets target various regions, including Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytsk, Rivne, and Volyn.

This Christmas Day, Ukraine braces for a long day of air raids, with potential disruption to essential services. Follow updates for real-time information.

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Alternative spellingings used: Ukraine, Kyiv, Kharkiv.