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An opposition politician warns of the next conflict with Russia in Eastern Europe. The scenario would have a massive impact on the Ukraine war.
Chisinau – Is this region the next imperialist target of the Kremlin autocrat Wladimir Putin? The so-called “Transnistrian Congress” should Moscow will reportedly soon publicly ask for Transnistria to be included in the Russian Federation.
Transnistria: Moldova's breakaway region asks Russia to join?
At least that's what Transnistrian opposition figure Ghenadie Ciorba claims, according to the news agency Info dayAbout what ntv.de reported. Accordingly, the MPs should decide on a corresponding motion at the congress on February 28th.
Explosive: On February 29, Putin will give a speech to the Russian Federal Assembly. According to Ciorba, Putin could use this speech as an opportunity to make the request public. It can be assumed that the Federal Assembly will approve the application, he said. Ciorba referred to recent statements by Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would protect Russian citizens in Transnistria.
Because of Transnistria: Tensions between Moldova and Russia
Transnistria is an internationally unrecognized separatist region in eastern Moldova, supported exclusively by the Kremlin, with around 350,000 inhabitants Ukraine borders. The Republic of Moldova, which borders the NATO state Romania to the west, considers Transnistria to be insurgent and part of its own territory.
In the environment of Ukraine war the conflict arose again. At the end of April 2022, two months after the start of the Russian attack on its western neighbor, explosions occurred in Moldova's Transnistria on the border with Ukraine. Chisinau suspected the Kremlin was behind the provocation and convened its Security Council at the time. An estimated 30 percent of the population in Transnistria is said to be of Russian origin.
Vladimir Putin's Foreign Minister: Sergei Lavrov threatens Moldova
Moldova's President Maia Sandu also criticized Putin's Moscow regime at a public meeting in August 2022 for statements “that are not always appropriate and sometimes disrespectful to the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova.” Shortly afterwards, Lavrov warned Moldova that “a threatening situation” to the security of Russian troops in Transnistria could trigger a military confrontation. Troops that could in turn tie up Ukrainian forces on the border.
“Any threat to the security of Russian troops would be considered an attack on Russia under international law,” Lavrov said in an interview with a Russian TV channel at the time. Background: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has stationed its 14th Guards Army in northern Transnistria. According to estimates, this only has a manpower in the low four-digit range, but according to equipment it is said to be superior to the Moldovan armed forces.
Moldova is in danger the moment Russia moves towards Transnistria.
On the border with Romania: Historian fears Russian attack on Moldova
According to the much-quoted Global Firepower Index (GPI) only 8,500 active professional soldiers (as of February 23rd), no battle tanks and no combat aircraft. The defense relies on infantry (foot soldiers) driving trucks or American military jeeps Humvees. However, Transnistria had set up its own troops years ago, which, according to estimates by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2009, comprised around 4,000 men and 18 battle tanks. There are no more recent estimates from the West.
The historian Yuri Felshtinsky openly warned of a war by Russia against the Republic of Moldova in 2022. “Even before they finish with Ukraine, they will start a war there as soon as they reach Transnistria,” the American author of Russian origin told the British one at the time Express: “Moldova is in danger the moment Russia moves towards Transnistria.” The country has been on Putin’s list for a long time. (pm)
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