Deputy Prime Minister's message to citizens on left bank of Dniester

Chisinau, Jan. 9 /MOLDPRES/- "Moldovan government stands by its citizens, contrary to what is reported in Tiraspol-controlled media, we will intervene with rapid help." Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian made the statement today. He said he will have a meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Elina Valtonen, who will also go to Tiraspol.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, together with the state's top leadership, is on a visit to the left bank of the Dniester, where held meetings with local authorities to discuss the energy crisis. "The talks focused on the support provided so far and next steps. They talked about the lists of aid to be distributed in these localities, the connection to natural gas and electricity grids. Some localities also have gas and electricity problems and others are very difficult to connect to our networks. It will take 3-4 months and it is about big investments, but also about design works and long-term field works," Serebrian said.

He announced that he will also hold talks with Tiraspol on sensitive issues, such as connecting Copanca and Varnița to Moldova's electricity grids, using the existing infrastructure. "We hope to have these talks next week. What is needed rather is working groups and openness, because we can organize many meetings, but if there is no willingness to cooperate, it remains complicated," Serebrian said.

He noted that in a few hours he will have a discussion with the OSCE head, who will also go to Tiraspol. 

Serebrian also sent a message of support to the citizens from the left bank of the Dniester.

According to the data of the Government Crisis Cell, on the left bank, the amount of energy produced by MGRES/Cuciurgan power plant and Dubasari hydropower plant is not sufficient, and there is an acute shortage. Under these circumstances, as of January 7, 2025, scheduled power outages lasting 8 hours are taking place in the Transnistrian region throughout the entire territory of the region. Disconnections are announced for today, January 9, in the intervals 08:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 20:00 for part of the population and between 12:00 - 16:00 and 20:00 - 00:00 for another part.

On January 6, the Commission for Emergency Situations ordered Premier Energy to connect the villages of Varnița and Copanca to its network. At the same time, 14 localities will be integrated into the natural gas distribution networks of the licensed operators of Moldovagaz. The government has also provided humanitarian aid, including fuel supplies and generators, to support residents affected by the energy crisis.

As of January 1, 2025, Russian gas no longer transits the territory of Ukraine and Gazprom has halted natural gas supplies to Moldova citing a debt that has been disproved by an international audit. Chisinau authorities have accused Moscow of energy blackmail, saying Russia uses energy as a political weapon.