Ukrainian military leadership suggests possible provocations by Transnistria

Operational Command South’s spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said this on Espreso TV.

"There is currently no enemy activity there. The units conduct regular training and methodological work. They strengthen their skills to work as part of assault groups. This is done at the training base. The military exercises that are being announced now do not pose a corresponding threat. It can be assumed that provocations such as shooting towards the border may be involved. But we are ready for any development," she said.

The Ukrainian military is also ready to meet sabotage and reconnaissance groups, noted Humeniuk.

"Even if the sabotage and reconnaissance groups decide to provoke, they will be stuck in the nearest lane. The Russian Federation is using the information space to try to put pressure on people's minds by promoting its narratives. But we are also working on this," she added.

Hostile activity is closely monitored by Ukraine, says Humeniuk.

"From the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, this area of the state border has been sealed as much as possible, and its defense capability has been increased. The presence of additional units has also been strengthened. The crossings and checkpoints directly in the direction of unrecognized Transnistria were blocked. After all, this is the most favorable direction for the movement of equipment or the actions of sabotage and reconnaissance groups," she said.

• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) later stated that the grouping of Russian troops currently concentrated in unrecognized Transnistria does not pose a military threat to Ukraine.