Moldovan government dismisses breakaway region’s request for help from Moscow
Moldovan government calls Transnistrian separatists’ request for help from Putin ‘propaganda’, deepening rift with Moscow
Pro-Russian separatists in a portion of Moldova, also known as Transnistria, have appealed to President Vladimir Putin for protection against perceived threats from the Moldovan government.
Transnistria, which seceded from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union, has remained closely aligned with Moscow, while Moldova seeks EU membership.
During a congress on Wednesday, Transnistrian politicians requested Moscow’s safeguarding against what they see as growing Moldovan pressure.
Russian state media RIA Novosti reported the Kremlin emphasized the priority of protecting its “compatriots” in response to Transnistria’s appeal.
Why is it important?
The unrecognized region bordering Ukraine’s war-torn east has maintained independence from Chisinau for 30 years with Moscow’s backing, including over 1000 troops stationed there since a brief 1992 conflict.
Relations between Moldova and Russia have soured as Moldova pursues a pro-European path and accuses Moscow of efforts to sow instability.
President Maia Sandu, attending a summit of southeastern European nations in Albania, affirmed Moldova’s dedication to peacefully resolving the Transdniestrian conflict.
Moldova’s increasingly Western-oriented government dismissed the plea for assistance as “propaganda.”
Why did Transnistria ask for help?
Transnistria, which no country officially recognizes, has hosted a gradually decreasing Russian military presence for years, totaling around 1,500 troops.
The economic impact of Russia’s Ukraine conflict on Transnistria has been significant. When the war erupted, Ukraine sealed its border with the region, severing about a quarter of its trade. While still receiving Russian gas at no cost, the agreement for gas transit through Ukraine is set to expire in December, with no guarantee of renewal.
The region asked Russia to help with the budgetary issues.
The conflict in Ukraine also prompted Moldova to seek a resolution to its long-standing dispute with Transnistria. In part because of the war, the EU granted Moldova candidate status in June 2022 and approved the start of accession talks in December 2023.
Source: Newsroom
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