**Ukraine and Moldova Ready to Help Transnistria with Energy**
The presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, Volodymyr Zelensky and Maia Sandu, met in Kyiv on January 25. They said they are ready to help the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria with its energy needs.
Transnistria has been without gas since January 1. This is because Ukraine stopped allowing Russian gas to pass through its territory. Moldova also owes money for gas it used from Russia.
Zelensky and Sandu condemned Russia’s decision to cut off gas supplies to Transnistria. They said this had caused a humanitarian crisis in the region.
The two presidents promised to find a solution to meet Transnistria’s energy needs. They also condemned Russia’s actions against Moldova, including interfering with its election and referendum on joining the EU.
**Ukraine Offers Help**
Zelensky announced that Ukraine is ready to send people to help run the Cuciurgan power station in Transnistria. This would increase electricity production and meet some of the region’s energy needs.
The Cuciurgan power station produces 200-220 megawatts of electricity. With Ukrainian help, this could be increased to 2 gigawatts.
Ukraine is also ready to supply coal to the power plant. In return, Moldova would get electricity, and Ukraine would get electricity for itself.
**Background**
Russia’s state-controlled energy company Gazprom stopped supplying gas to Moldova on January 1. This was because of Moldova’s unpaid debt for gas supplies.
Transnistria had been getting gas from Russia without paying for it. Its debt is over $10 billion.
The end of Russian gas supplies has caused industrial activity in Transnistria to come to a halt.
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