**Russia Stops Gas Supplies to Moldova’s Transnistria**
Russia’s energy giant Gazprom has stopped gas supplies to the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria in Moldova. The decision was made because Moldova owes Russia money, not because there are problems with the pipeline.
Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that Russia is using energy as a political weapon and is holding people in Transnistria hostage. He denied that Moldova owes Russia any money and said that the government will take legal action against Russia.
Transnistria relies heavily on Russian gas, but the rest of Moldova has switched to European supplies. Alternative routes are available for Moldova to get Russian gas, but Gazprom is not using them.
**Background**
Transnistria has been occupied by Russia since the early 1990s. The region has its own government and military, but it relies on Russia for energy and other resources.
Moldova has been trying to become part of the European Union, but this move has caused tension with Russia. Moldova’s government has accused Russia of hybrid campaigns against the country.
**Reaction**
Recean condemned Russia’s decision and said that the government will take action against Russia. The Prime Minister also warned that a humanitarian crisis could happen in Transnistria if gas supplies are not restored.
The situation is complex, but one thing is clear: Russia’s decision to stop gas supplies to Transnistria has caused tension between Moldova and Russia.
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