Ukraine's cutoff of Russian gas has collapsed Transnistria's economy and sparked local doubts about Russian alignment, threatening to eliminate Moscow's only viable endpoint for westward expansion.
The pro-Russian presidential candidate Simion called past assistance a betrayal of national interests and vowed to prioritize domestic needs if elected.
If Russia succeeds in Moldova's September parliamentary elections, the country could shift overnight from a friendly neighbor of Ukraine to a Russian-controlled threat, she says.
Ukraine and Moldova’s presidents discussed aiding Transnistria’s power plant with coal and expertise to potentially ease energy costs in Moldova and reduce Russian gas dependence.
Ukraine's 2022 ban on negotiations with Putin thwarted multiple Russian attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty through shadow diplomatic channels and internal separatist movements.
While Trump orders 90-day review of US foreign assistance, Zelenskyy confirms Ukraine's military aid remains intact but humanitarian programs face temporary restrictions.
Former Ukrainian foreign minister reveals mounting evidence of coordinated Russian pressure campaign in Moldova's breakaway region, where 300,000 residents face severe energy shortages despite available EU alternatives.
Transnistrian authorities are leveraging local timber resources to prevent a humanitarian crisis, establishing distribution points across all districts.
"Fortunately, our region is rich in timber, and supplies are still available, with solid fuel distribution points open in every district," de facto authorities noted.