Lost and Found

2025 

In Moldova’s election on September 28, 2025, the pro-EU party won a decisive majority, reflecting the complex geopolitical shifts and the pursuit of European integration among the younger generation. Meanwhile, in the Transnistria region, which maintains its own administration along the border with Ukraine and has close ties to Russia, many young people face difficult choices. While local authorities continue to emphasise their relationship with Moscow, younger residents are increasingly frustrated by economic challenges and limited prospects for the future.

Leon Basov, 29, showers with water from a half-cut plastic bottle. In early 2025, a halt in Russian gas transit via Ukraine led to a severe energy crisis in Transnistria, cutting off heating and hot water. While Moldova stepped in with temporary gas supplies, the long-term solution for stable and affordable energy access remains uncertain.
Leon Basov, 29, showers with water from a half-cut plastic bottle. In early 2025, a halt in Russian gas transit via Ukraine led to a severe energy crisis in Transnistria, cutting off heating and hot water. While Moldova stepped in with temporary gas supplies, the long-term solution for stable and affordable energy access remains uncertain.
A group of young people talk in front of the House of Culture in Chitcani, a small village in Transnistria. Like many such buildings in the region, this one features a statue of Vladimir Lenin — a common sight in Transnistria, where Houses of Culture served as hubs of Soviet ideology and culture.
A group of young people talk in front of the House of Culture in Chitcani, a small village in Transnistria. Like many such buildings in the region, this one features a statue of Vladimir Lenin — a common sight in Transnistria, where Houses of Culture served as hubs of Soviet ideology and culture.
Victor, 18, artist and transgender man, poses for a portrait in Tiraspol. He dreams of leaving Transnistria to study in Scandinavia, a region he sees as more accepting. Transnistria remains highly conservative, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence and little protection from authorities.
Victor, 18, artist and transgender man, poses for a portrait in Tiraspol. He dreams of leaving Transnistria to study in Scandinavia, a region he sees as more accepting. Transnistria remains highly conservative, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence and little protection from authorities.
A 'Back to Soviet Union' sign displayed in the window of a theme cafe in Tiraspol.
A 'Back to Soviet Union' sign displayed in the window of a theme cafe in Tiraspol.
A young man eats at “USSR Stolovaya,” a Soviet-style canteen in Tiraspol. The canteen features decorations and elements from the Soviet era, including newspapers on the walls.
A young man eats at “USSR Stolovaya,” a Soviet-style canteen in Tiraspol. The canteen features decorations and elements from the Soviet era, including newspapers on the walls.
Leon, 29, and his girlfriend Alisa, 20, pose for a portrait at their home in Tiraspol. The couple has been together for about a month and a half. Leon works at a friend’s company in the gas sector, while Alisa is a children’s roller skating coach. Alisa dreams of moving to Russia, but Leon prefers to stay in Moldova.
Leon, 29, and his girlfriend Alisa, 20, pose for a portrait at their home in Tiraspol. The couple has been together for about a month and a half. Leon works at a friend’s company in the gas sector, while Alisa is a children’s roller skating coach. Alisa dreams of moving to Russia, but Leon prefers to stay in Moldova.
Flags of Transnistria and Grigoriopol in front of the hall of Grigoriopol.
Flags of Transnistria and Grigoriopol in front of the hall of Grigoriopol.
Cottage-style houses in the Tiraspol area. These homes often serve as preservation spaces, gathering spots for friends to share a drink, or even coops for keeping chickens together.
Cottage-style houses in the Tiraspol area. These homes often serve as preservation spaces, gathering spots for friends to share a drink, or even coops for keeping chickens together.
Maxim (left), Vasily (middle), and Maxim (right), all 16, ride a marshrutka (minibus) to the village of Chitcani. The three are first-year college students in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria.
Maxim (left), Vasily (middle), and Maxim (right), all 16, ride a marshrutka (minibus) to the village of Chitcani. The three are first-year college students in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria.