Russia’s colony of Transnistria declares state of emergency due to the imminent loss of russian gas
After losing Syria, the last thing Putin’s already flailing image needs is the loss of yet another colony, but it seems that may be exactly what’s about to happen.
Since 1993, Russia’s colony of Transnistria, a tiny strip of land between Ukraine and Moldova, massive Russian military base with which Moscow can further destabilize Europe, has existed only due to Ukraine’s generosity. With a population of around 450,000 people, the Transnistrian economy runs on russian gas, which sadly for Russia, arrives through a pipeline that first runs through Ukraine. But three weeks from now, those days are over. Zelensky now holds this colony, its massive weapons surpluses and Putin’s PR image in the palm of his hand.
Yesterday, Vadim Krasnoselsky, leader of this internationally unrecognized Transnistrian region, signed a decree declaring a 30-day economic state of emergency due to anticipated disruptions in Russian gas supplies. This measure mandates all businesses to conserve gas and other energy resources, prohibits the export of energy resources, and imposes restrictions on certain financial and commercial activities, including the movement of products and financial resources.
The Transnistrian parliamentary body is expected to adopt Krasnoselsky’s decree, with discussions scheduled for December 11. This development arises as the contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine is set to expire on January 1, 2025, with Kyiv expressing reluctance to renew it. Consequently, Gazprom may suspend gas deliveries to Transnistria, a region that has historically received Russian gas without payment.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova ceased purchasing Russian gas, opting instead for European market alternatives. However, Gazprom has continued supplying gas to Transnistria, which houses the Kuchurgan power station—a key electricity source for Moldova.
Recent negotiations between Moldova’s former Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, and Russian officials have not yielded a consensus on gas delivery routes or the settlement of Moldovagaz’s outstanding debts. Parlicov emphasized the serious risk of a gas-related crisis in Transnistria, while Transnistrian authorities have attributed the situation to official Chișinău.
Analysts expect that by severing the connection between Moscow and the colony, we will see negotiations begin as to the region’s alliances and resolution regarding what are considered to be substantial warehoused Russian military surpluses.