This is reported by RBC-Ukraine citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Moldova's President Maia Sandu. This information is also shared by Kontrakty.UA.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine can supply coal to Moldova, including delivering it to the unrecognized Transnistria for electricity generation. He added that Russia has been supplying anthracite to Tiraspol, which it stole from the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The President explained that the Moldovan DRES can generate 10 times more electricity - from 220 megawatts to 2 gigawatts. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine is ready to send its personnel to Transnistria.
"If our people go there, it will definitely be able to produce 2 gigawatts. That is, 10 times more and more than is needed. If we provide them with coal at a low price, or even for free, then we can receive electricity in exchange for that coal. It's fair: we give coal, they get electricity for themselves, for all of Moldova, and we receive electricity for ourselves," Zelensky said.
He added that through cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova, it is possible to supply electricity to all of Moldova and reduce electricity prices across the entire region by 30%.
"I have a letter from Mr. Krasnoselsky (the so-called "president" of Transnistria, - ed.) from Tiraspol. I consider the letter to be vague. They have sent similar letters to other countries. I believe that if the leaders of Tiraspol continue to wait for mercy from Moscow, instead of providing electricity to the people, then their letters are an attempt to shift the responsibility for people's suffering," the president noted.
According to him, Ukraine and Moldova can together ensure stable electricity production for the next 10 years. The respective decisions have been agreed to be assigned to their teams.
Energy Crisis in Transnistria
Since January 1, Ukraine has halted the transit of Russian gas to Europe and Moldova. The unrecognized Transnistria has stopped receiving gas from Russia, causing an energy crisis.
The local Moldovan DRES continues to operate on reserves of fuel oil and coal. However, these may soon be depleted. The DRES also supplies electricity to Chișinău.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to assist in resolving the energy crisis in Transnistria.
However, the so-called authorities of the Russian-occupied region refuse. Media reports have indicated that Russia plans to buy gas in Europe for Transnistria.