TIRASPOL, January 16. /TASS/ Sanctions against Russia have a negative impact on Transdniestria, said Yevgeny Shevchuk, head of the unrecognized republic, on Friday.

Shevchuk warned that 2015 will be difficult for the economy of the republic. "The fall in oil prices, the depreciation of the Russian currency, the slowing down of the economy in Russia, all these factors have a negative impact on the economies of other countries, including Transdniestria and our neighbors — Moldova and Ukraine," said Shevchuk.

"Due to the ruble devaluation, it became unprofitable for many Transdniestrian companies to do business with Russia, some have even stopped. Ukraine stopped buying our products because of financial problems, the rising cost of living. Moldova is also not in a position to buy what we produce. There is a negative trend in the EU as well," Shevchuk said.

He added that the situation is aggravated by the artificial barriers created by Chisinau. "Last year, the Moldovan government stopped issuing Transdniestrian companies permits for export. As a result, we could not take goods from Transdniestria through Ukraine to Russia. "This adds to the instability factor in our country," he told journalists.

Shevchuk said that he has suggestions on what would solve the Transdniestria economic problem. He thinks that it is necessary to get rid of the external pressure, to recognize the Transdniestrian banks, and to unblock the border and transportation. "If that happens, then in the next 3-5 years Transdniestria could become a self-sufficient region,” Shevchuk said.