Moldova Calls for “Protection” from Russia in Breakaway region
Moldova’s Concerns Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
The US has expressed close monitoring of the situation in the breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova. Pro-Russian officials in Transnistria have recently appealed to Moscow for “protection,” prompting Moldova’s concerns.
Since the start of Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the Moldovan government is cautious of Transnistria becoming a potential battleground. With the ongoing conflict, Transnistria’s officials requested Russia’s assistance to bolster the region’s economy against Moldovan pressure. The timing is notable, as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his annual address and Ukraine faces setbacks on the battlefield.
Transnistria: A Breakaway Region Autonomous from Moldova
Transnistria, an autonomous region that borders Ukraine, has maintained separation from Moldova for the past three decades with Russian support. Following a brief war in 1992, Russia has deployed over a thousand troops to Transnistria. However, the Moldovan government is wary that Russia may utilize the region to open a new front, potentially threatening Odesa to the southwest.
Fears of New Front Amid Moldova’s Directives
Signs of tension arose after Moldova announced that Transnistrian companies would need to pay import duties to the central budget starting January, prompting a congress of deputies from Transnistria to convene. The congress subsequently passed a resolution, seeking Russia’s assistance to counter increasing Moldovan pressure. Despite the region’s de facto control by pro-Russian forces, it is internationally recognized as part of Moldova, leading Russian officials to prioritize protecting the strip of land.
Moldova’s Response and International Commentary
Moldova’s pro-European government dismissed Transnistria’s appeal as a propaganda event aimed at generating headlines. Meanwhile, the region has been a longstanding potential flashpoint between Russia and Europe, drawing comparisons to the situations of eastern Ukraine as tensions rise. Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, emphasized the country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced concern over the dangerous impact of tensions in Transnistria, stating, “the threat of Russian intervention or at least some provocation there is something permanent.” As tensions heighten, the international community fears further escalation in the region.
US Monitoring Russia and Transnistria
Given Russia’s increasingly aggressive role in Europe, the US state department is closely observing Russia’s actions in Transnistria. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, fears have intensified about the separatist region and its large Russian population. Relations between Moldova and Russia have been strained as Moldova pursues a pro-European path.
(Some information in this report was contributed by Russia and Agence France-Presse.)
