Pro-Russian Rebels in Moldova’s Transnistria Region Seek Protection from Putin
In a recent development, pro-Russian rebels in the separatist region of Transnistria in Moldova have reached out to President Vladimir Putin for protection against what they claim are threats from Moldova’s government. Transnistria, which broke away from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union, has remained closely aligned with Russia, while Moldova has been pursuing closer ties with the European Union. The rebels made their appeal during a special congress, and the Kremlin has expressed its commitment to protecting its “compatriots” in Transnistria.
The congress held in Transnistria holds significant importance as it is a rare occurrence. It was a Congress of Deputies that led to the creation of Transnistria in 1990 and subsequently sparked a war between Moscow-backed separatists and the newly formed Moldovan republic. Despite its existence, no country officially recognizes Transnistria as an independent state. Russia has maintained a military presence in the region, although it has gradually reduced its troops to around 1,500.
The recent congress raised concerns that Moscow might use the opportunity to destabilize Moldova’s pro-Western government. However, Moldova dismissed these fears as mere propaganda. The congress did not push for unification with Russia, as some analysts had speculated. Instead, it passed a resolution requesting greater protection for the more than 220,000 Russian nationals living in Transnistria from Moldovan authorities. The resolution emphasized Transnistria’s determination to fight for its identity and the rights of its people.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has affirmed that protecting the interests of Transnistria’s inhabitants, whom they consider compatriots, is a priority. On the other hand, Moldovan authorities have dismissed the congress as an attempt to create hysteria. They maintain that there is no danger of escalation or destabilization in the region and highlight the benefits Transnistria enjoys through its policies of peace, security, and economic integration with the EU.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on Transnistria’s economy. When the war began, Ukraine closed its border with Transnistria, resulting in a 25% decline in trade for the region. Although Transnistria still receives Russian gas free of charge, the agreement allowing gas transit through Ukraine will expire in December. The uncertainty surrounding the extension of this agreement adds to the economic challenges faced by the region.
Moldova’s desire to resolve its long-standing conflict with Transnistria has been fueled by the war in Ukraine. As a response to the conflict, the European Union granted Moldova candidate status in June 2022 and approved the start of accession negotiations in December 2023. These developments have further motivated Transnistria to seek protection from Russia, fearing that closer ties with the EU could jeopardize their interests.
The United States has been closely monitoring the situation in Transnistria and Russia’s actions in the region. The US State Department spokesperson emphasized their vigilance in observing developments and ensuring stability.
In conclusion, the recent congress held by pro-Russian rebels in Transnistria seeking protection from President Putin has raised concerns about potential destabilization in Moldova. While Moldova dismisses these claims as propaganda, Transnistria remains determined to protect its identity and the rights of its people. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Moldova’s pursuit of closer ties with the EU have added complexity to the situation. As the region faces economic challenges and uncertainty regarding gas transit agreements, it remains to be seen how this appeal for protection will impact the geopolitical dynamics in the area.