What Bill O'Reilly Said Floored Me

Bill O'Reilly has trusted one expert for investment advice for over 20 years... Alexander Green. Now, Alex is revealing Trump's impact on YOUR Money, like how AI technology could amplify Trump's policies and details on 3 stocks that could rise 20-fold by 2029.

Moldovans grapple with outages as energy crisis grips pro-Russia region

STEPHEN McGRATH and AUREL OBREJA
January 10, 2025

COPANCA, Moldova (AP) -- Every time planned electrical outages are imposed on his village in southern Moldova, 73-year-old retiree Vasili Donici passes the time solving crosswords and puzzles in a room he illuminates using a small gas lamp.

"It's a bit hard without electricity," said the former deputy school director who has stockpiled firewood to ensure he can use his wood burning stove in the room he shares with his wife to stay warm. "There's still gas ... but it will end soon."

The village of Copanca is situated just several kilometers across the de facto border from Moldova's separatist pro-Russian Transnistria region, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left without heating and hot water after Russia halted gas supplies to the region on Jan. 1, over an alleged $709 million debt for past supplies to Moldova.

The decision by Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom, which came into effect a day after a gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired, halted gas supplies to Transnistria's gas-operated Kuciurgan power plant, the country's largest, which provided a significant portion of Moldova's electricity.

Copanca, like over a dozen other towns or villages administered by Moldovan authorities in the capital Chisinau but situated close to Transnistria, remains interconnected to the separatist region's Soviet-era energy infrastructure leaving them vulnerable amid the energy crisis.

Planned daily electrical outages throughout Transnistria -- which includes Copanca -- are currently scheduled for four hours twice a day. While the Kuciurgan power plant transitioned to coal and has led to some unexpected outages, some residual gas remained in the pipes.

"It's hard to get by with the electricity and gas shortages," said Donici. "Yesterday, we were without power for eight hours. Everyone is scratching their heads, figuring out what to do, so they don't freeze."

Citing findings by British and Norwegian audit firms, Moldova's pro-Western government claims its debt stands close to $8.6 million, and has accused Moscow of weaponizing energy to destabilize the European Union candidate country. Russia has denied it is meddling in Moldova.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean this week accused Russia of artificially creating an energy crisis to cause "instability in the region" and "to influence the results of the parliamentary elections" that Moldova will hold later in 2025.

"What they want to achieve is to have a pro-Russian government in Moldova that would ultimately allow for the consolidation of the military capacity of Russia in the Transnistrian region, and correspondingly to use this leverage over Ukraine," Recean told journalists in a closed call with other senior officials on Monday.

Transnistria -- which broke away after a short war in 1992 and is not recognized by most countries -- declared a state of emergency last month as the gas crisis loomed. A large majority of Transnistria's roughly 350,000 people speak Russian as their first language and some 200,000 are Russian citizens. Russia also bases about 1,500 troops in a so-called frozen conflict zone as "peacekeepers."

Moldova has repeatedly claimed Russia is conducting a sprawling "hybrid war" against it by meddling in elections, funding anti-government protests and running vast disinformation campaigns to try to topple the government and derail the country's EU aspirations.

Last month, Moldova's parliament also voted to impose a state of emergency in the energy sector, as the crisis threatened to leave the former Soviet republic without sufficient energy this winter, and fears that the situation could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Transnistria, where temperatures often drop to subzero degrees Celsius.

The looming crisis also prompted Chisinau to implement a series of energy-saving measures beginning Jan. 1, which include reducing lighting in public and commercial buildings by at least 30%, and energy-intensive businesses operating during off-peak hours.

Moldova's state energy company, Energocom, has increased electricity purchases from neighboring Romania to ensure capacity but are also more costly. Although a mild January is helping matters, energy prices have increased and the government has said it will provide help to offset bills.

EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, wrote on the social media platform X this week that Russia "continues to use gas as a weapon and once again Moldova is a target of its hybrid warfare," adding that "Thanks to EU support Moldova remains resilient and well-connected to European energy networks."

Moldova's government this week announced plans to connect more than a dozen towns and villages under Chisinau's control that are interconnected with energy infrastructure in Transnistria to energy networks in Moldova.

Afanasii Cutzari, the mayor of Copanca, says that so far the situation is manageable with planned electrical outages, but that if, or when, the gas runs out, "then there will be problems."

"Where possible, people bought generators, but that's also not a solution," he said. "Even with a generator, someone needs to start it, a person who understands how to use it. It requires money, staff."

Cutzari added that institutions in his village including a kindergarten, medical facilities, an ambulance, city hall and a post office would struggle if the gas ran out entirely. "It would be better if electricity and gas were always available," he said.

Prime Minister Recean said that since the beginning of the energy crisis, his government in Chisinau has "proposed organizing procurement for purchasing gas on behalf of the Transnistrian side," but that authorities in the region's de facto capital, Tiraspol, have refused.

"Tiraspol is not autonomous in the decisions it makes," he said on Thursday. "This crisis is induced by the Russian Federation in order to destabilize the Republic of Moldova and to use the Republic of Moldova in Russia's war against Ukraine."

After visiting Copanca and other villages in a similar bind on Thursday, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said some kindergartens and schools have been provided with power generators, and that mayors can request help from Chisinau to supply firewood, wood-burning pellets, and generators.

"We communicated with them that we are doing our best to provide them alternatives that provide light, water and heat for their families," she said, adding that Moldova is discussing "potential assistance" with external partners.

Carina Cazac, the owner of a convenience store in Copanca, said locals rushed to purchase essentials like oil and flour when the crisis hit, and that generators and oil lamps quickly sold out.

"A lot of people were stressed, and they started buying gas lamps," she said. "It's easier in the villages because most people have wood-burning stoves ... others bought generators."

But, she added, "Prices have risen significantly, and not everyone can afford a generator."

___

Associated Press writer Stephen McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Top 3 Utilities Stocks That May Rocket Higher This Month

The most oversold stocks in the utilities sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.

What to know about Trump's buyout proposal for federal employees

President Donald Trump's administration is offering to federal employees to quickly reduce the government workforce. They don't have a long time to decide: The deadline is Feb. 6.

5-Second Trump Clip will Give You Chills - Ad

If you have any money in the markets, take a moment to see this presentation with a 5-second clip of a shocking prediction President Trump made during his victory speech... Because according to legendary investor Louis Navellier, who correctly predicted Trump's win... This prediction is about to become a reality.

Trump's Commerce Secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, vows to sell his business interests in 90 days

WASHINGTON (AP) — Billionaire financier Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump's choice to lead the Commerce Department, said Wednesday that he would sell all of his business holdings within 90 days.

Hawaii wildfire victims spared from testifying after last-minute deal over $4B settlement

HONOLULU (AP) — Lawyers representing victims of a deadly Hawaii wildfire reached a last-minute deal averting a trial Wednesday to determine how to split a .

"Boring Trade" Generates $185 Every Day. Like Clockwork. - Ad

Forget cryptos, pot stocks, and other "shiny object" investments. Instead, you could collect an average of $185 every day of the year with this "boring" trade strategy Forbes magazine says is "like finding money in the street."

A South Florida luxury condo project is planned for site where building collapse killed 98 people

SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) — A Dubai-based developer plans to build a 12-story luxury condominium project on the South Florida site where in 2021, killing 98 people.

Microsoft reports 10% quarterly profit growth as it works to show AI investments paying off

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday that its profit for the October-December quarter grew 10% from the same time last year as it works to capitalize on the huge amounts of money it has spent to advance its artificial intelligence technology.

Top-Secret Military Base in New Mexico Desert - Ad

Out in the New Mexico desert sits a top secret government facility... The scientists here are studying a new technology that will change the way wars are fought... Once you see this thing for yourself -- you'll know in your heart it could be coming for all of us. That's why I've taken steps to help protect myself and my family from what could be unleashed as early as April 11.

Stock market today: Asian stocks advance ahead of the Fed's rate decision as panic over AI fades

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stocks advanced Wednesday in thin Lunar New Year trading following a rebound on Wall Street driven by tech stocks as the panic over Chinese AI company DeepSeek faded.

Elon Musk Is 'Kind Of Glad' Many Didn't Pick Up A Tesla FSD Subscription: Here's Why

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday that the company will likely have to update hardware for customers whose vehicles are equipped with an older version of the AI hardware called Hardware 3, for it to achieve fully unsupervised autonomous driving with full self-driving (FSD) driver assistance software.

The Next Nvidia? - Ad

Wall Street legend has just uncovered one tiny Maryland company that could become the next Nvidia. Few in the media are talking about this story yet...but in the next 6 months that's all they'll talk about.

Shiba Inu's Shytoshi Kusama Teases 'Extremely Powerful Partnership' -- Coin Themed On Him Rallies 25%

Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) lead ambassador Shytoshi Kusama hinted at a major partnership announcement for the blockchain ecosystem on Tuesday, stirring up excitement among enthusiasts.

3 coup-hit West African nations formally leave ECOWAS in an unprecedented disintegration

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, the body said Wednesday, the culmination of a yearlong process during which the group tried to avert its unprecedented disintegration.

Ex CIA Predicts 40% "Double Crash" -- April 11 - Ad

I strongly advise taking action ahead of this NEW kind of economic crash... What makes this new crash so uniquely dangerous is that it could erase bank accounts.... My best followers are already following the steps laid out in this video. Prepare now, or suffer when the market implodes by 40% in a single day as soon as April 11. You've been warned.

Moderna Stock Is Sliding Wednesday: Here's Why

Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) shares are trading lower Wednesday after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock. Here's what you need to know.

Fartcoin Loses Shine Against SHIB, DOGE, Plunges 50% In 7 Days: Is This A Prime Buying Opportunity?

Fartcoin (CRYPTO: FARTCOIN) has dropped significantly from highs set one week ago, but traders on social media remain adamant about the meme coin’s future prospects.

2025's No. 1 Trump Era Trade - Ad

Elon Musk is warning about a major shortage we will face in 2025. Trump is targeting one specific resource as the solution to the problem. One American company is virtually the only company set up to solve this situation... generating billions in sales.

Chubb CEO Expects $1.5 Billion Loss From LA Wildfires: 'California Is A Difficult Market For Insurance Companies'

Chubb held its fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday and addressed the future financial impacts resulting from the recent California wildfires. 

The DOGE Agenda (Eight Stocks to Buy) - Ad

Every investor in America is trying to figure out what Musk will do in Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks.

6 Clean Energy Stocks Face Challenges, Opportunities Ahead Of Earnings

Analyst revises ratings/price forecast on clean energy stocks ahead of earnings release. Highlights key areas to watch for each company.

Elon Musk: "The Government Is Out of Control." - Ad

Elon Musk says the government is going bankrupt. Seniors are getting crushed by inflation. But there is a way you could claim a chunk of over $1 trillion in spending, courtesy of Elon Musk.

Japanese automaker Nissan says it plans job and production cuts in the U.S.

TOKYO (AP) — Nissan is slashing production at its U.S. plants and offering buyouts to factory workers there as part of the Japanese automaker’s urgent efforts to return to profitability.

Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Yet Another Stock Market Crash, Pitches Bitcoin Investments -- Here's What The 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' Author Said

Renowned investor and author Robert Kiyosaki on Monday predicted a major stock market crash in February and advised investors to focus on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), gold, and silver.

The $15.7 Trillion AI Revolution Is Here - Ad

Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and OpenAI are paying BILLIONS to access this critical AI tech.

Trump Slams Fed's 'Terrible Job' On Bank Regulation After Rate Hold, Vows To 'Unleash Lending For All American People'

President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve's handling of inflation and banking regulation on Wednesday, following the central bank's decision to hold interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.5%.

Robert Kiyosaki Foresees Bitcoin Surpassing US Dollar As 'Good Money'

Robert Kiyosaki, the acclaimed author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” has reiterated his preference for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) over

The $20 Stock Powering NVIDIA, TESLA, and Microsoft - Ad

The biggest AI firms in the world... All rely on this single company. And right now, you can get in for only $20 - but not for long.

Europe's economy showed zero growth at end of 2024 as Germany, eurozone's biggest economy, struggled

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Europe’s economy stagnated at the end of last year as its former growth engine, Germany, finished a second straight year of shrinking output, officials said Thursday.

More AI Patents Than Nvidia, OpenAI and Tesla Combined? - Ad

Most people have no idea this company exists. That's because it's on the inside of your smartphone, your computer, and everything else... 99% of Americans don't even know its name. Billionaires have been buying this $50 AI stock hand over fist...

Stryker's Strategic Moves Impress Analysts, Spine Implant Sale and NARI Deal Set to Drive Future Growth

Wall Street analysts upgraded Stryker Corp (NYSE: SYK) after its Q4 report beat expectations, with strong sales and earnings growth projected for 2025.

Spain's leader wants the EU to 'make social media great again.' Here's how

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister is launching a crusade against what he sees as the downsides of .

FORGET Crypto, FORGET Stocks... Do THIS Instead... - Ad

With everyone scrambling for the next hot AI stock or cryptocurrency... One man is saying FORGET them all. Because his strategy could lead to bigger gains than you'd see from stocks, crypto or anything else you might be seeing. It's shown his readers gains of 85% in 14 days... 55% gains in 2 days... And even 222% in 8 days!

Elon Musk's Tesla Records $600 Million In Paper Gains On Bitcoin In Q4 Thanks To New Accounting Rule

Electric vehicle behemoth Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) reported an unrealized gain of $600 million on its cryptocurrency holdings in the fourth quarter.

Stock market today: Asia shares mostly rise while some regional markets stay closed for holidays

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares mostly rose Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve opted for the first time since it began trying to help through easier rates in September.

Elon's Next Millionaire-Making Project? - Ad

This could create more wealth than all of his previous ventures... combined.

Trump White House Puts DeepSeek Under National Security Scanner: 'Wake-Up Call To The American AI Industry'

The White House is reviewing China's DeepSeek AI for potential national security risks, amid growing concerns over intellectual property theft and its impact on U.S. AI dominance.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright finstrategist.com
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service