Increased tensions in the breakaway region

Tiraspol, Moldova - The breakaway region of Transnistria has sparked international concern after calling on russia to "take protective measures" against what it claims is "increased pressure" from Moldova. The request was made at an unusual congress of "local elected representatives of all levels" from the Transnistrian region, convened by separatist leader Vadim Krasnoselsky.

The resolution adopted by the congress includes several requests:

• To the federation council and the russian state duma: to implement protective measures for Transnistria in the context of alleged "pressure" from Moldova.
•  to the UN Secretary General: to take into account the rights of the "Transnistrian people", to prevent violations of their rights and freedoms by Moldova and to prevent provocations that could lead to an escalation of tensions.
• to the participants in the "5+2" negotiating format:
•   to resume a constructive dialogue for the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. The "5+2" format includes the OSCE, russia, Ukraine as mediators, and the United States and the European Union as observers.
•  to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE): to influence the Moldovan leadership to return to a serious dialogue in the negotiation process and ensure conditions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
•  to the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): to help prevent the escalation of the conflict on the Dniester
•  to the Parliament of the European Union:to work to stop Moldovan "pressure" and "violation of the rights and freedoms of Transnistrians".
• to the International Committee of the Red Cross:  to ensure conditions for the respect of social and humanitarian rights, interests and inalienable freedoms of all Transnistrian inhabitants.

Reactions to Transnistria's request were divided:

The Moldovan government dismissed the resolution as a "masquerade" and reiterated the country's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the economic reintegration of the region.

"We have made it very clear that there is no danger of escalation and destabilization of the situation in the Transnistrian region of our country. It is another campaign trying to hystericize society around this so-called Tiraspol event. It is an event set up by those on the left bank of the Dniester and by those in the kremlin. We see no danger of destabilisation. We are following very closely and we reiterate that the Transnistrian region is aligned with the objective of peace and security. And what is happening in Tiraspol is a propaganda event, a hoax that does not deserve the live coverage of foreign journalists or the tense headlines in news bulletins," said Moldovan government spokesman Daniel Vodă. 

US supports Moldova's sovereignty 

In a press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller commented on the resolution adopted by the so-called local elected representatives from the Transnistrian region. 

"So given russia's increasingly aggressive and destabilizing role in Europe, we are watching russia's actions in Transnistria and the broader situation there very carefully. The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, and we continue to encourage Chisinau and Tiraspol to work together and identify solutions to the pressing concerns of communities on both sides of the Dniester," Miller said.

russia says it will consider the Transnistrian authorities' requests

The russian foreign ministry said, that "specialized agencies" intend to consider the Transnistrian authorities' appeal, stressing that "the protection of Transnistrian residents, of our compatriots is one of the priorities."

Protecting the interests of Transnistrian residents, of our compatriots, is one of the priorities. "All requests are always carefully examined by the competent russian bodies," the russian foreign ministry said, quoted by russian news agencies.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Maia Sandu in Tirana 

The meeting between Maia Sandu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Tirana took place in a tense regional context, marked by the war in Ukraine and the intensification of russian threats against Moldova. The talks between the two leaders focused on the following issues:

The situation in Transnistria:

• Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.
• The intensification of diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations in the 5+2 format, with OSCE involvement as mediator, was discussed.
• Both sides condemned the provocative actions of the russian-backed separatist regime in Tiraspol.

russian attempts to destabilize Moldova:

• Sandu informed his Ukrainian counterpart about russian-orchestrated disinformation and destabilization campaigns in Moldova.
• The need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and combating russian propaganda was stressed.
• Zelenskyy gave assurances that Ukraine will provide assistance to Moldova in countering hybrid threats from russia.

Moldova and Ukraine's joint future in the EU:

• Both leaders reconfirmed the European aspiration of their countries and called for accelerating the process of integration into the European Union.
• The coordination of reform efforts and the strengthening of economic cooperation between Moldova and Ukraine were discussed.
• Zelenskyy welcomed Moldova's achievement of EU candidate status and pledged Ukraine's support for the country's European course.

The Transnistrian conflict represents an escalation of tensions in a conflict frozen for almost 30 years. It remains to be seen how russia will respond to the Transnistrian authorities' request and how the situation in the region will evolve in the coming period.