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 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.

Moldova's prime minister accused the Kremlin of "oppressive tactics" and weaponizing the energy supply, but Russian energy giant Gazprom blames the upcoming halt on a debt dispute.