**Ukraine and Moldova Team Up to Fight Energy Crisis**
Ukraine and Moldova are working together to find solutions to the ongoing energy crisis in Moldova. The crisis was triggered when Russian state energy company Gazprom cut off gas supplies to Moldova on January 1.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the crisis during a phone call on January 8. They agreed to collaborate on “common solutions” to prevent the emergency from getting worse, including using alternative fuel sources such as coal.
**Russia Accused of Manipulating Energy Resources**
The Moldovan government has accused Moscow of deliberately manufacturing the crisis to destabilize the country. Gazprom claims that the decision to cut off gas supplies was due to unpaid debts by Moldova, which Chisinau disputes.
Zelensky said in a statement that the current crisis represents “an obvious attempt by Russia to manipulate energy resources against the Moldovan authorities.” He added that Ukraine is ready to help Moldova overcome its energy challenges and prevent social tensions.
**Alternative Routes for Gas Available**
While most of Moldova has transitioned to European energy supplies, the breakaway Transnistria region remains heavily dependent on Russian gas. The region’s electricity system is now on the brink of collapse.
An agreement to transit Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine expired on January 1, but alternative routes for gas from Russia to Moldova are available.