Coal diplomacy: Ukraine offers to fuel Transnistria’s power plant as gas supplies falter

Ukraine has offered to supply coal to the Cuciurgan power plant (MGRES) in Moldova’s breakaway Transnistrian region, opening the possibility of keeping one of the country’s most important electricity sources operational after the disruption of Russian gas deliveries, EUalive’s partner Nordnews reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Kyiv’s readiness during talks in Kyiv with a Moldovan government delegation led by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, according to Moldova’s IPN news agency. Moldova’s Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu also took part in the discussions.

The proposal comes after the plant switched to coal-fired operation on 1 January 2025, following the suspension of Russian natural gas flows once the transit agreement through Ukrainian territory expired.

Energy security at the centre of talks

Officials reviewed the condition of the energy systems in both countries and the consequences of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, which have repeatedly caused electricity disruptions in neighbouring Moldova due to the interconnected grids.

The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral energy cooperation to secure reliable supplies and mitigate risks stemming from Russia’s actions in the region.

Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation between transmission system operators Ukrenergo and Moldelectrica. They also examined joint infrastructure projects, including the strategic Bălți-Dnistrovska overhead transmission line, intended to deepen interconnection and reduce regional energy vulnerability.

The meeting takes place at a sensitive moment for Moldova, which relies on electricity supplies from the Cuciurgan power plant.

A plant at the centre of a frozen conflict

What is MGRES powerplant?

MGRES is not merely a power station. Located in Transnistria and owned by Russia’s state-controlled Inter RAO, it has for decades been a cornerstone of the economic model sustaining the separatist region.

Commissioned in 1964, it formerly burned some coal and fuel oil. In 2025, Russia stopped supplying the power plant with gas, leading to the 2025 Moldovan energy crisis. The MGRES power stations has installed capacity of 2,520 MW and produces some 75% of Moldova’s electricity needs.

Until recently, the plant ran almost entirely on Russian natural gas supplied without payment by the Transnistrian authorities. The unpaid gas accumulated as debt on the balance sheet of Moldovagaz, formally attributed to Moldova, while the electricity generated was sold back to the rest of the country.

This arrangement created a unique dependency cycle: Moldova relied on the plant for electricity, while electricity revenues kept the separatist administration financially viable and preserved Russian political leverage.

The end of Russian gas transit via Ukraine disrupted that model. Without stable fuel supplies, the plant’s output fell into question, raising concerns in Chişinău over both electricity prices and potential shortages.

Ukrainian coal changes the equation

Kyiv’s offer introduces a new variable into a long-standing geopolitical equation. If Ukrainian coal were to replace Russian gas as the plant’s primary fuel, the MGRES could continue operating without relying on Moscow’s energy infrastructure.

That would simultaneously stabilise Moldova’s electricity supply and reduce Russia’s ability to exert pressure through energy.

For Ukraine, the move also carries security implications. A collapse of electricity production in Transnistria could trigger social and economic destabilisation in a region where Russian troops are stationed along Ukraine’s western border.

Electricity produced by MGRES has traditionally been cheaper than imports from the European market. Yet continued reliance on the plant, even with a different fuel, risks perpetuating economic links with the separatist region. At the same time, refusing cooperation could push electricity prices higher domestically.

Since 2022, Moldova has accelerated efforts to integrate into the European energy system. Together with Ukraine, it synchronised its grid with the continental European ENTSO-E network and significantly increased electricity imports from Romania.

Caption: A picture, posted by Alexandru Munteanu on X. “For nearly 4 years, Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought loss of lives and broken families. Yet during this same time we’ve witnessed the bravery of Ukrainian people. Met with President Zelenskyy to reiterate our strong solidarity. This war must end with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine”, he wrote.

Updated: February 11, 2026 - 17:22