Separatists in Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, demand “protection” from Russia

The authorities of Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist region of Moldova, adopted an official declaration on Wednesday February 28 demanding the “protection” of Russia against Chisinau. According to this statement, cited by Russian news agencies, the separatist authorities are asking Moscow to “implement measures to protect Transnistria in conditions of increased pressure from Moldova”with notably “an economic blockade”. In total, 220,000 Russian citizens reside in this self-proclaimed republic, an outpost of the Kremlin’s interests in the region. The resolution also calls forOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and the EU to assert these rights.

“Dangerous” tensions for the region

The Moldovan government, for its part, assured that at present “Things seem calm”asserting that“there is no risk of escalation” despite this “new campaign aimed at creating hysteria within society”. The central government in Chisinau recently adopted economic retaliatory measures against this territory bordering Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, for his part, estimated that tensions in Transnistria were “dangerous” for the region and Ukraine.

Last year, the authorities of this self-proclaimed state which is not recognized by the international community had notably accused kyiv of wanting to attack it after claiming to have foiled an attack in March that targeted its leaders. The Russian Defense Ministry again assured last week, without presenting evidence, that Ukraine was preparing a “armed provocation” against Transnistria.