Assad’s rule over Syria is a stark example. He began his presidency in 2000 following his father’s three-decade presidency, In the beginning he was seen as a modernizing figure, but Assad’s leadership quickly became synonymous with authoritarianism,

Assad, removed from power by rebels, has been under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow since December 8 last year.

The blow to Transdniestria was immediate. Households' central heating and hot water were cut off, and nearly all industrial enterprise was shut down.

Moscow breakaway region of Transnistria halted almost all industrial activity except for food production, following the end of Russian gas flows through Ukraine, Interfax reported.