Transnistria asks Russia for help due to Moldova's 'economic blockade'. Chisinau, Kyiv, Moscow react

The appeal was initiated by the so-called president of Transnistria, Vadim Krasnoselsky, Kommersant reports.

In their appeals to the State Duma and the Federation Council, the participants of the congress ask to facilitate a dialogue with Moldova, given the fact that “more than 220,000 Russian citizens permanently reside in the territory of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic and the unique positive experience of Russian peacekeeping on the Dniester, as well as the status of guarantor and mediator in the negotiation process.”

In addition, the delegates appealed to the UN Secretary General, the European Parliament, the OSCE, and other organizations to prevent further escalation of the conflict between Chisinau and Tiraspol.

It is noted that relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol deteriorated in 2020 after the election of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who refused to negotiate with Krasnoselsky. In early 2024, the Moldovan authorities imposed a duty on exported goods to Transnistria. Currently, deliveries can only be made through the section controlled by Chisinau. Tiraspol accused Chisinau of economic pressure.

Moldova's reaction

Moldovan government spokesman Daniel Voda said that Chisinau believes that the so-called congress of the so-called Transnistrian deputies and their decisions do not pose a threat of escalation and destabilization, reports European Pravda.

According to the spokesperson, the ‘congress of deputies’ was a pure propaganda event that “does not deserve live broadcasts by foreign journalists and intense headlines.”

"This event was planned by those on the left side of the Dniester and the Kremlin. We see no danger of destabilization. We are watching very closely and reiterating that this region also wants peace and security," he emphasized.

What Ukraine says

A representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, told RBC-Ukraine that Russia had been defeated.

"Today, given the situation in the 'Transnistrian Moldovan Republic,' nothing has happened. Russia did not get the desired result. In this situation, their efforts, both political and informational, have failed," Yusov emphasized.

Russia's reaction

The Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS that all requests from Tiraspol are considered by Russian relevant agencies with attention.

"Protecting the interests of the residents of Transnistria, our countrymen, is one of our priorities. All requests are always considered with attention by Russian specialized agencies," the source said.

• The 'congress of deputies of all levels' was scheduled for February 28 in Tiraspol, where Transnistrian politicians would allegedly ask for the region's accession to Russia. At the same time, Ukraine's Ambassador to Moldova Marko Shevchenko said that, according to his information, the issue of Transnistria's accession to the Russian Federation is not currently on the agenda.
• Ukrainian intelligence believes that the so-called Transnistrian deputies do not plan to address President Vladimir Putin at the congress to accept the pseudo-republic into Russia.