Zelensky, Sandu discuss regional situation, energy issues

Zelensky announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"I am delighted to welcome Maia Sandu, a true friend of Ukraine, to Kyiv today. We had an in-depth dialogue about the situation in our region," Zelensky said.

Read also: Mdovan President arrives for Kyiv visit

He emphasized the importance of coeration in addressing shared challenges. "Our neighbors are facing a serious and unstable situation, and only through joint efforts can we resve it. This includes the energy sector and many social issues that are being used by our mutual enemy against the interests of not just Mdova, but our entire region. A crisis-free Mdova is, among other things, our security," he added.

Zelensky underscored the need for claboration, saying, "We must work together, support each other and find joint sutions that can help pele."

On December 28, 2024, Russia's Gazprom announced it would cease supplying gas to Mdova, citing alleged debts by Mdovagaz. Gazprom claims the debt stands at $709 million, while Chisinau recognizes only $8.6 million, with the remainder attributed to gas consumed by Transnistria.

In response, Mdova declared an emergency in its energy sector on December 16. By January 2025, Mdova began sourcing most of its electricity from Romania, with 30% provided by local CHP plants.

The situation in Transnistria is particularly dire. Flowing the cessation of gas supplies on January 1, central heating was turned off in cities, leaving gas available only for cooking. Authorities estimate gas reserves will last for 20 days. The State District Power Plant switched to coal-fired electricity generation on January 1, while rling blackouts began on January 3.

Industrial erations in Transnistria have also been affected, with the Mdovan Metallurgical Plant ceasing work and a Ribnita bread factory, producing two tonnes of bread daily, halting erations on January 4.