The pro-Russian separatist region of Transdniestria in Moldova has extended its state of emergency for another month, citing a worsening energy crisis following the suspension of Russian gas supplies that have sustained its economy for decades.

Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy company, halted gas deliveries to Transdniestria on January 1, attributing the decision to $709 million in unpaid Moldovan debts—a claim Moldova disputes, accusing Moscow of deliberately orchestrating the crisis to destabilize its pro-Western government. Previously, Russian gas was routed to Transdniestria through Ukraine, but Kyiv refused to renew a transit agreement after its expiration on December 31, citing Russia’s invasion. Moldova asserts that Moscow could use the TurkStream pipeline to continue gas supplies, but Russia blames Ukraine for the disruption.

Since the cutoff, Transdniestria—a breakaway region that declared independence during the collapse of the Soviet Union and depends heavily on Russian energy—has faced gas shortages, power outages, and water supply challenges. On Friday, authorities announced five-hour daily power cuts and confirmed the state of emergency would last until at least February 8. Factories in Tiraspol, the region’s capital, have been permitted to operate overnight to alleviate pressure on the power grid.

Moldova’s pro-European government has accused Russia of using energy as a weapon to destabilize the country ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Daniel Voda, a spokesperson for the central government, said multiple proposals had been made to assist Transdniestria but were rejected by the region’s authorities, who continue to spread misinformation.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has reiterated that Gazprom could use alternative routes to deliver gas. Meanwhile, Transdniestrian officials deny receiving any offers of assistance from Moldova and accuse both Moldova and Ukraine of causing the crisis. They reported that gas storage levels in the region would last only 24 more days.

Transdniestria, which fought a brief war with Moldovan forces in 1992, remains home to 1,500 Russian troops and shares a border with Ukraine.