**Transnistria Declares Economic Emergency Over Russian Gas Supply Threat**
The leader of Moldova’s Russian-occupied Transnistria region, Vadim Krasnoselsky, signed a decree on December 9 introducing a 30-day economic state of emergency. The move is due to the risk of Russian gas supply disruptions.
**What Does It Mean?**
The emergency measures include conserving gas and energy resources, banning energy exports, and restricting specific financial and economic activities. The decree must still be approved by the occupied region‘s legislative body.
**Why Is This Happening?**
The threat of a gas cutoff arises from Ukraine’s decision not to renew the transit contract for Russian gas to Europe beyond 2024. Over five decades, the current agreement has facilitated gas flows from Siberia to Europe.
**What Are The Consequences?**
Ending the transit could cost Russia billions in lost revenue, dealing a significant blow to Gazprom, the state-controlled gas monopoly. Ukraine earns approximately $1 billion annually in transit fees.
**Other News**
* Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to continue gas deliveries if Kyiv agrees.
* Gazprom is reportedly preparing for a scenario where no gas flows through Ukraine to Europe after 2024.
* In 2023, only 15 billion cubic meters of Russian gas were transported via Ukraine, representing just 8% of peak flows in 2018-2019.