Moldova hopes for Russian troop withdrawal from Transnistria as part of Ukraine peace talks

This statement was made by Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean during the Jurnal TV program "Cabinetul din Umbră."

"Currently, there is an international context that could lead to Russia withdrawing its troops from the left bank of the Dniester as part of this negotiation process. It may not necessarily be through a peace negotiation process — it’s hard to imagine in the near future — but in the negotiation process related to Ukraine and the new EU security architecture. In this context, there is a possibility and a chance," he said.

"The Republic of Moldova will insist on raising this issue at the negotiation table. Any negotiations regarding peace or a ceasefire in Ukraine essentially concern the new security architecture in Europe," added Recean.

The politician was also asked to comment on the decision to close the Russian Cultural Center after Russian drones fell on Moldovan territory.

"In fact, it was not a cultural center, but a center for influence agents. And to those who complain, we say that Moldova has nothing against Russian culture or the Russian language. Russia must respect the Moldovans and not send its influence agents disguised as cultural figures," said the Prime Minister.

• On February 14, at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he would be ready to negotiate with Vladimir Putin only after agreeing with Europe and the U.S. on a plan to end the war.