Moscow sees Transnistria, which is controlled by pro-Russian separatists, threatened by Ukrainian forces and has issued a warning against "adventurous initiatives". The Ministry of Defense of Moldova, meanwhile, firmly rejects online fake news in the interest of Moscow.
Moldova's government has denied Russian allegations that Ukraine is preparing to invade the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria. "The Ministry of Defense monitors all events, happenings and changes in the region," the Moldovan ministry said in Chisinau. "Currently there is no direct threat to military security" from Transnistria. Moldova urged citizens to "keep calm and get information only from official sources." Regarding rumors circulating online, the Department of Defense added: "The misinformation being spread is aimed at spreading panic and confusion."
Shortly before, on Friday, Russia had threatened retaliation if Ukrainian forces "provoked" Russian forces stationed in Transnistria. Russia guarantees the defense of Russian "compatriots, the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the military installations" in Transnistria, the Foreign Ministry said in Moscow. Any action that poses a threat to them will be viewed as an attack on Russia. The State Department also reiterated Russia's accusation that Ukraine was stationing "a large number" of soldiers and weapons at the border.
"We warn the United States, NATO member states and their Ukrainian protégés against any adventurous initiatives," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement reminiscent of the Cold War. "Russia's army will respond appropriately if there is a provocation by the regime in Kiev," Moscow said. Ukraine has accelerated preparations for an invasion.
Little Moldova has 2.6 million inhabitants with a Russian minority and is located between Romania and Ukraine. The country, which was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, has made a pro-Western turn in recent years, angering Moscow. Moldova was granted EU candidate status in 2022.
The self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria is a narrow strip of land on the border with Ukraine that has seceded from Moldova since 1990 and has its own government and administration. Around 1,500 soldiers from the Russian army are stationed in the region, which still belongs to Moldova under international law but is controlled by pro-Russian separatists. The population of Transnistria is partly Ukrainian, partly Russian and partly Moldovan.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been concern in Chisinau and among its western partners that Russia could also attack Moldova as its next target. Just a few days ago, Moldovan President Maia Sandu accused Russia of pushing ahead with a concrete plan to overthrow her government in Chisinau with the help of saboteurs disguised as demonstrators. Sandu said she learned about the plan from Ukrainian intelligence. Moscow had denied the accusation.
