A number of localities on the right bank of the Nistru, which are connected to the network that supplies gas to the left bank, risk being affected by a possible interruption in the Russian gas supplies to the Transnistrian region from January 1, 2025. The inhabitants of the villages of Varnița and Copanca could suffer the most, IPN reports, with reference to RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service.

According to the Bureau for Reintegration Policies, 11 localities in the Security Zone, located on the right bank of the Nistru River, are connected to the networks of "Tiraspoltransgaz".

These are the villages of Hârbovăț and Varnița in Anenii Noi district, the villages of Cocieri, Cosnita, Doroțcaia, Molovata Nouă, Pârâta, Pohrebea and Vasilievca in Dubăsari district, the villages of Copanca, Hagimus and Fârlădeni in Căușeni district.

Also, the secondary schools in the villages of Roghi and Corjova in Dubăsari district are supplied with gas from the left bank of the Nistru.

"Some villages have electricity from the right side and gas from Transnistria, but in our part, all the services are managed in Transnistria. This is how we are arranged geographically because, in the past, the village of Varnița was part of the town of Bender (Tighina),"  the mayor of Varnița Alexandr Nikitenko told RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service.

The mayors of the 11 villages were invited to Chisinau, where they discussed possible measures with the central authorities. Thus, in Varnița, the school will receive pellets and electric generators, and the kindergarten, which is heated with gas, will be closed. In Copanca, students will switch over to distance learning.