The citizens' initiative group has started collecting signatures on the need to resume gas transit through the territory of Ukraine in the interests of Moldovan citizens. Speaking at a press conference at IPN, representatives of the group noted that the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine as of January 1, 2025 has had serious consequences for our country, IPN reports.

The citizens' initiative group gives assurances that the action is not political. "We come not to criticize, but to find solutions. The only one we have found right now is to address the authorities of the neighboring state," said Sergiu Ungureanu, a civic activist, energy specialist.

Members of the initiative group have submitted a request to the Kiev authorities to allow gas transit through the territory of Ukraine. "Considering the fact that the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said at a press conference on December 19 that the negotiations with Ukraine on the extension of gas transit to Moldova have no prospects, we, the citizens of Moldova, consider it necessary to address the leadership of Ukraine with the request to examine the possibility of resuming gas transit, a decision of strategic importance for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova," reads the declaration proposed for signature.

"The ordinary citizen can no longer cope. Today's bills exceed the average citizen's income. But citizens still need food, medicine. It is impossible to survive in this situation. That's why we are calling on everyone to get in line, to organize the collection of signatures," said Igor Gritco.

The conference participants consider state aid through compensation to be insufficient and that further talks with the Ukrainian side are needed.

"From the technical point of view, we are trying to let the neighboring country, with which we have very good relations, partnership relations, know that we also want to have mutual respect and to urge to resume that transit to Moldova. We respect Ukraine's decision to defend its interests, but for the Republic of Moldova, as officials have said, the left side of the Dniester only accumulated debts," said civic activist Sergiu Ungureanu.

The initiative group says it will collect signatures in public places and individually.

"The action will last until the end of April. During the collection procedure we will provide truthful and ample information. We call on all political parties, organizations, activists to strengthen, using all accessible resources, to demonstrate that we care about the future of Moldova," said civic activist Denis Timcenco.

Note: The IPN Agency offers the right to reply to the people who consider themselves concerned in the news made from the statements made by the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.