**Russia Cuts Transnistria from Gas, Leaving Locals in the Cold**
A village of 5,000 people in Moldova has been cut off from gas since the start of the year. Varnița, located near the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria, is one of many villages affected by Russia’s decision to stop supplying gas.
**The Crisis Deepens**
Gas storage in Transnistria will last for another 24 days after Russia’s supplies were halted. Many people in the region have had their gas, electricity, and water cut off since January 1st. The Moldovan Prime Minister says this is not an energy crisis, but a security issue.
**A Bitter Dispute**
The dispute between Moldova and Transnistria over gas has been ongoing for years. Russia was not paid by Transnistrian authorities for the gas they used, while Moscow continued to bill Moldova for it. The Chișinău government declined to pay, leading to a bitter dispute.
**Villagers Suffer**
In Varnița, villagers are struggling to cope without gas. Some have switched to wood-burning stoves, while others have bought generators and air-conditioning units. Tamara Cara, who runs a textile factory in the village, has just bought two generators for her business.
**Divided Opinions**
Locals have divided opinions on who is to blame for the crisis. Some blame Chișinău, while others point fingers at Ukraine or Russia. Nicolae, a cultural worker from Russian-occupied Grigoriopol, says people’s views depend on what media they consume.
**A 30-Year Wait**
Retiree Ion Băieșu fought in the Russo-Moldovan war of 1992 and has been waiting for 30 years to be free from Russia’s control. He is bitter about the ongoing crisis, saying “Russians have kept us hostages for 30 years.”
**Generators and Stoves**
Some villagers are finding alternative ways to stay warm. Oleg, a 49-year-old worker, has enough wood to last him four months. Others have bought generators or air-conditioning units.
**The Way Forward**
Moldovan Prime Minister Recean says the solution to the crisis lies in Russia withdrawing its troops from Transnistria. He believes this will allow Chișinău to manage its internationally recognized territory and solve the ongoing energy crisis caused by occupying forces.
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