Russia has warned the West that it will consider any action that threatens Russian peacekeeping forces in Transnistria as an attack on itselfo – the region that broke away from Moldova, reports “Reuters”.
The warning comes a day after Moscow accused Ukraine of deploying troops near the region’s border.
Against this background, fears are intensifying in Moldova – a small former Soviet republic bordering Ukraine, about a possible Russian threat to its own independence. Earlier this month, its pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, accused Moscow of plotting to overthrow Moldova’s government.
Yesterday, Russia accused Kiev of planning to invade Transnistria, which borders Ukraine. The predominantly Russian-speaking territory broke away from Moldovan control in 1990, a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
“We warn the United States, NATO countries and their Ukrainian wards not to take another reckless step.”the Russian Foreign Ministry insisted today.
“Any action that threatens their security (of Russian peacekeepers – b.r.) will be considered, according to international law, an attack against the Russian Federation,” the department adds.
For its part, the Ministry of Defense of Moldova rejected Russia’s claims of a build-up of Ukrainian troops.
“There is currently no direct threat to the military security of the country. If possible threats to the security of the country are identified, the ministry will immediately inform the public,” the Moldovan ministry said.
Ukraine listed Russia’s four steps to destabilize Moldova and Romania
Moscow planned to conquer many countries in Eastern Europe
“The spread of false information is intended to cause panic and confusion among the population on both banks of the Dniester River. We call on citizens to remain calm and to be informed only from official sources,” they added.
So far, Kiev has not responded to Russia’s latest allegations of a buildup of Ukrainian troops near Transnistria.
Last week, however, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was “obvious” that his country is not the last country in Moscow’s sights and the Kremlin is considering ways to “suffocate” Moldova.
Putin rescinded a decree supporting Moldovan sovereignty in the Transnistrian conflict
The decision was made to “secure the national interests of Russia
