Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom says it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting on Jan. 1, citing alleged unpaid debt by the east European country.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said Saturday it would suspend gas exports to Moldova from 0500 GMT on Jan. 1 due to unpaid debt by Moldova, which is bracing for severe power cuts. It said the company reserved the right to take any action, including terminating the supply contract with Moldova.

Russia's energy giant Gazprom claimed the decision was related to Moldova's outstanding debt, not problems with transit via Ukraine.

Gazprom said Moldovagaz “regularly fails to fulfill its payment obligations under the existing contract, which is a significant breach of its terms.” View on euronews

Gazprom plans to halt gas exports to Moldova over unpaid debts, leading to significant power cuts in the country. Moldovan officials accuse Russia of using energy as leverage amid geopolitical tensions.

The Russian gas company Gazprom on Saturday said it will no longer supply natural gas to Moldova in the new year, blaming the country's alleged debts. Gazprom said the country's gas company Moldovagaz "regularly fails to fulfil its payment obligations under the existing contract,

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Saturday it would suspend gas exports to Moldova from 0500 GMT on Jan. 1 due to unpaid debt by Moldova, which is bracing for severe power cuts. It said the company reserved the right to take any action,