Moldova to declare state of emergency over Ukraine’s plans to halt Russian gas transit

Moldova’s Parliament has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector, set to begin on December 16. The decision was made during a late-night session on December 13 at 12:20 a.m. local time, Pro TV reported. The measure passed with the support of 56 out of 101 deputies.

The resolution, introduced at the request of Prime Minister Dorin Recean, stems from concerns over a potential halt to gas transit through Ukraine starting January 1, 2025.

The Moldovan government has warned of the risk of a complete stoppage of gas supplies to Transnistria and potential disruptions to electricity delivery on the right bank of the Dniester River. According to Pro TV, the government is preparing measures to address any potential energy crisis.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials repeatedly announced plans to end the transit of Russian gas and oil to Europe beginning in 2025. However, Kyiv has said it remains open to facilitating transit from other countries, according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.

As Kommersant reported, Russia and Moldova held talks in late November in St. Petersburg regarding future gas supplies. According to the publication, Russia’s Gazprom signaled its willingness to continue supplying gas to Transnistria via Turkey after the expiration of its transit agreement with Ukraine.