The energy crisis in the Transnistrian region is a direct result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, expert Igor Boţan stated in a public debate titled "Fish tail" of the crisis in the eastern region of Moldova. According to him, the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict and the reduction of the impact of the shocks felt by the inhabitants of the region depend on the outcome of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Igor Boțan, the future of the Transnistrian region depends largely on the geopolitical context and the developments in the war in Ukraine.
"This crisis is a direct consequence of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. The settlement of the Transnistrian issue and the relief of the inhabitants there from these shocks depends on how this war ends. The citizens on both banks must understand that the current situation is a direct consequence of Russia's aggression. The solution to the conflict will be influenced by the way in which the war ends," said the permanent expert of IPN’s project.
According to him, there are about 300,000 people on the left bank of the Nistru and half of them live in rural areas. Moldova’s experience in managing a large number of Ukrainian refugees proves that the country can cope with such a challenge, without generating a significant social or economic crisis.
"In the Transnistrian region, 130,00 voters participate in the election of the so-called president. Therefore, we presume that no more than 300,000 citizens live in the region. Depopulation there has been in full swing over the last 30 years. Half of the citizens live in villages and so they can heat themselves with stoves. A real problem is encountered by 100,000 citizens. 100,000 Ukrainian citizens were easily assimilated by the Republic of Moldova when the Ukrainians fled the plague of war. At that time, a humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Moldova did not happen. The flip side is that if 100,000 Transnistrians come to the right bank and are absorbed as workforce, this will be a rather positive thing," explained Igor Boţan.
He is convinced that some of the politicians will seek to obtain political advantages on account of citizens' dissatisfaction with the way the authorities manage the energy crisis, and does not exclude protests.
"It is possible that in a month, Russia will resume gas supplies. Russia is welcome to do this, but not before answering the questions, “why did it leave the people to freeze?”, “why did it put them in a crisis situation? “why to ruin the people's health and nerves and then come as a savior?” It is good to throw arrows in the direction of the current government, but Igor Dodon, during his term as president, met with Vladimir Putin for 75 times and how many problems did Dodon solve through those meetings? Before calling on the people to mount protests, Igor Dodon must answer many questions," said the expert.
The public debate entitled "Fish tail" of the crisis in the eastern region of Moldova" was staged as part of the series of debates "Developing political culture through public debates". IPN Agency implements the project with support from the German "Hanns Seidel" Foundation.
