Is a new front looming?

Separatists ask Moscow for “protection” from Moldova

Residents of Transnistria cheer Putin on May 9, 2014(Bild: APA/AFP/VADIM DENISOV)

Pro-Russian separatists in the breakaway region of Transnistria have asked the Russian regime for "protection" from Moldova. At a special congress on Wednesday, the representatives of the Transnistrian authorities adopted a declaration to this effect.

The authorities of Transnistria, a de facto regime not recognized internationally and recognized exclusively by Russia, are turning to Moscow for help due to "pressure from Moldova", according to reports from Russian news agencies and local sources.

Resolution to Russian parliament
According to the resolution, the Russian parliament is asked to "take measures to defend Transnistria in the face of increasing pressure from Moldova". There is "social and economic pressure on Transnistria that directly contradicts European principles and approaches to the protection of human rights and free trade", the statement said.

It also points out that more than 220,000 Russian citizens live on the territory of the region that broke away from Moldova. The resolution was initiated by the president of the self-proclaimed republic, Vadim Krasnoselski.

Under Russian influence
The "Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic", as it is known, came into being between 1990 and 1992 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Since then, Transnistria has seceded from the government in Chisinau and is under Russian influence. Around 1500 Russian soldiers are stationed there, as well as up to 15,000 paramilitaries loyal to Moscow.

In recent months and years, there have always been signs that the conflict, which has been frozen since 1992, could flare up again. In March 2023, for example, the separatist leadership declared that it had foiled Ukrainian plans to assassinate President Krasnoselski and other leaders.

Residents of Transnistria cheer for Putin on May 9, 2014(Bild: APA/AFP/VADIM DENISOV)

A Transnistrian policeman looks across the border into Ukraine.(Bild: APA/AFP/Daniel MIHAILESCU)

The war in Ukraine began in a similar way
The appeal brings back bad memories: On the evening of February 23, 2022, separatists in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk had appealed to Russia for help against Ukraine's "aggression". The following day, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion.