Russian state gas company Gazprom will halt natural gas supplies to Moldova "until further notice" beginning in early 2025.
Gazprom cited Moldova’s overdue debts as the reason for this decision.
"Moldovagaz frequently fails to meet its payment obligations under an existing contract, constituting a significant breach of contract terms," Gazprom stated.
Moldova’s government denies owing a $790 million debt.
Moldova partially relies on the thermal power plant in Cuciurgan, located in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria, for its energy needs.
70% of the electricity at this plant is generated using Russian gas transported via Ukraine.
However, Kyiv has announced that it will not renew the contract for gas transit to Europe after 31 December.
Moldova has suggested alternative routes for gas supplies, such as through Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.
However, Gazprom has made the continuation of gas supplies via these alternative routes conditional upon Moldova settling its previous debts.
Moldova had declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of a Russian gas cut-off.
