1, triggering widespread power outages and heating failures in the Russian-occupied Transnistria region.Zelensky and Sandu held a telephone conversation on Jan. 8 in which they discussed the energy crisis and Russia's role."An important task now is to help Moldova overcome its energy challenges and prevent Moscow from stirring up social tensions. ... We are ready to help," Zelensky said in his evening address. Zelensky said the current crisis represents "an obvious attempt by Russia to manipulate energy resources against the Moldovan authorities."According to Sandu's press service, the two leaders are collaborating on "common solutions" to prevent the emergency from devolving further, including using alternative fuel sources, such as coal. The Moldovan government has accused Moscow of deliberately manufacturing the crisis in order to destabilize the country.