President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is preparing to send coal to fuel a major power plant in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria.
Transnistria lies between Ukraine and Moldova. The breakaway territory has been without electricity and heating since the beginning of this year when Ukraine did not renew its contract to transit Russian gas.
During a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kiev on January 25, President Zelensky said that Ukraine could send coal to the Cuciurgan power plant in Transnistria.
The power plant, which used to run on Russian gas imported through Ukraine, has now switched to coal. Previously, the Cuciurgan power plant provided about 70% of Moldova's electricity consumption.
"We have coal that we can supply to Moldova. We can supply to Tiraspol if they really want to give their people electricity," Zelensky said, referring to the separatist government in the city of Tiraspol, Transnistria.
"If we supply coal to them, we are ready to negotiate low prices, even free of charge," the Ukrainian leader added.
Mr Zelensky also mentioned the possibility of a power plant in Transnistria supplying electricity to Ukraine. Ukraine’s power grid has been affected by attacks during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is preparing to send a delegation to the plant in Transnistria to optimize production.
"Now is the time for the authorities in Tiraspol to accept this support, this help, and ensure that people have heating and electricity as soon as possible," said Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Local media reported that on January 24, a protest took place in Transnistria calling on Moldova to facilitate the transportation of Russian gas to end the energy crisis.
Transnistria used to receive Russian gas through a pipeline running through Ukraine and Moldova. However, when Ukraine refused to renew the Russian gas transit contract from January 1, 2025, Russian gas supplies to Transnistria were stopped. Transnistria had to declare a state of emergency due to the energy crisis.
