The head of Moldova’s breakaway region Transnistria has urged residents to burn firewood for heating and warned that blackouts cannot be avoided, after Moscow stopped supplying gas via Ukraine.

The European Commission is aware of the energy crisis in Transnistria following the halt of Russian gas supplies and is in regular contact with Moldova to address the issue, Anna-Kaisa Ikonen said. Read also: Moldova secures increased electricity import quota from EU amid gas supply risks “We are aware of the seriousness of the situation and are

It was previously reported that after Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas, central heating and hot water supply were turned off in Transnistria due to the lack of gas supplies. According to the “authorities”, gas reserves in Transnistria will run out within this month.

The Moldovan government has stated that the energy crisis in the unrecognised republic of Transnistria, caused by the halt in Russian gas supplies, is part of a broader Russian plan of manipulation and propaganda.

The energy crisis in Transnistria, triggered by Russia's Jan. 1 cutoff of gas supplies, is part of a broader Russian plan to manipulate and spread propaganda, Moldovan government spokesperson Daniel Voda said on Jan.