Chișinău is ready to provide Tiraspol with all possible support to address the energy crisis, President Maia Sandu stated in a new video podcast with host Nathan Garștei, reports NewsMaker. The head of state also mentioned the possibility of financial assistance, but only after the withdrawal of Russian troops and the replacement of the peacekeeping mission with a civilian mission under the aegis of the UN or EU.
The president emphasized that financial support for the Transnistrian region would be possible with the help of development partners.
"We are ready, with donor support—this is very important to note—to provide financial assistance to the Left Bank. But this will only be possible after the withdrawal of Russian troops and the replacement of the peacekeeping mission with a civilian mission under the aegis of the UN or EU. These are the main conditions under which we can step in and provide substantial assistance. I repeat, this assistance must come from our development partners because we are still in a difficult financial situation," Sandu stressed.
At the same time, the head of state added that Chișinău is currently ready to provide Tiraspol with generators or medical assistance.
"We reiterate our offer, including the assistance we can provide: generators, medical aid, medicines—everything people need during this period," Sandu listed.
On January 17, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian held a press conference where he discussed the humanitarian crisis in Transnistria, the visit of the region's leader Vadim Krasnoselsky to Moscow, and Tiraspol's concerns regarding the Law on Separatism. Serebrian also stated that the authorities in Chișinău are ready to provide "all possible assistance to our citizens on the Left Bank of the Dniester."
"We have just one request for Tiraspol: if you do not wish to ask us for help, at least allow us to help you. Do not obstruct our ambulances from crossing the region when called, allow medical institutions in the region to seek support from their colleagues on the Right Bank, enable the IGSU to deliver and install generators in hospitals and schools, and lift all barriers you have created during this critical period for the free movement of citizens on both sides of the Dniester. Finally, accept the assistance that the Ukrainian people are so generously offering you in these difficult times. They understand all too well what a humanitarian crisis, cold, suffering, and pain mean. Show at least a little common sense and respond, because, as I understand, you lack the courage to openly reject this aid," Serebrian concluded.
