For years, energy supply has played a key role in geopolitical conflicts. Countries have used it as both a tool for diplomacy and a means of exerting pressure.
In Eastern Europe, disputes over energy have repeatedly shaped relationships between nations. The recent crisis in Transnistria has once again put the issue in the spotlight.
Ukraine has offered to send coal at little or no cost to power plants in Transnistria.
Coal From Ukraine
This breakaway region, aligned with Russia, has been struggling with electricity shortages and a lack of Russian gas since early January.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the offer during a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kyiv, according to Ziare.
He stated that Ukraine had coal available for delivery and was open to providing it at a reduced price or even for free.
President Sandu traveled to Kyiv to discuss the energy crisis affecting Transnistria, a region situated between Moldova and Ukraine.
Since January 1, power outages, heating disruptions, and a lack of hot water have affected the area's population of around 500,000 people.
The problems arose after an agreement between Kyiv and Moscow, which allowed the transit of Russian gas, came to an end.
While most of Moldova has avoided blackouts due to energy imports from Romania, Transnistria has not been as fortunate.
Before the gas supply was cut, a power plant in Cuciurgan provided 70 percent of Moldova’s electricity.
With fuel shortages now affecting the region, protests have erupted, with demonstrators urging the Moldovan government to facilitate Russian gas deliveries.
President Sandu stated that it was now up to Transnistrian authorities to accept Ukraine’s assistance and ensure that residents receive power and heating as soon as possible.
Zelensky also suggested that Transnistria could, in turn, supply electricity to Ukraine. Russian attacks have severely damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, making additional sources of electricity valuable.
