Moldova Calls for Unconditional Russian Forces Withdrawal to Reduce Transnistria Tensions

Amid ongoing tensions around Transnistria, Moldova’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Nikolai Popescu, framed Moscow’s warnings about the Pridnestrovie region as provocative and unacceptable. He urged Russia to withdraw its deployed forces unconditionally and with full transparency, underscoring a demand for clarity about any military presence and activities on Moldova’s sovereign soil. In a message delivered through his social media channels, Popescu reaffirmed Moldova’s steadfast commitment to resolving the Transnistria question through peaceful, verifiable means. The emphasis was on concrete steps that would reduce risk, build trust, and demonstrate Moscow’s willingness to engage in a process that enhances regional stability. The statement also signaled Moldova’s readiness to participate in dialogue and pursue confidence‑building measures that can ease tensions for communities on both sides of the border. This approach aligns with the leadership’s stated priority of peaceful resolution and strict adherence to international norms as a fundamental pillar of Moldova’s foreign policy. It also reflects a broader regional aspiration to move away from coercive postures toward transparency, dialogue, and mutually beneficial arrangements that recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all parties involved. In practical terms, the request for transparency covers a range of assurances, from the disclosure of force movements and troop numbers to the establishment of verification mechanisms that can be observed by regional and international observers. Moldova’s position is not only about immediate pullback; it is about creating a credible framework for ongoing diplomacy, where confidence‑building measures can gradually reduce suspicion and the risk of miscalculation. The call for dialogue is paired with a clear expectation that any settlement should be anchored in the principles of international law, respect for national borders, and the protection of human rights for people living in and around Transnistria. This combination of firmness and openness signals a path toward stability that prioritizes civilian safety, economic continuity, and predictable governance across the region. Moldova’s leadership has consistently prioritized peaceful means, insisting that negotiations should be inclusive, transparent, and anchored in verifiable steps that all parties can monitor. In this view, peace does not come from unilateral ultimatums but from a sustained, cooperative effort to address underlying concerns, ensure the safety of border communities, and prevent the escalation of hostilities. The focus remains on reducing the threat of missteps that could destabilize the area, fostering an environment where cross‑border cooperation can resume in practical forms such as trade facilitation, people‑to‑people contacts, and cooperative security arrangements that deter aggression while enabling dialogue. The message also underscores Moldova’s readiness to collaborate with international partners, including regional organizations and the broader international community, to reinforce stability and ensure that any future arrangements respect Moldova’s sovereignty and the rights of all residents. In practice, the approach calls for a phased, verifiable withdrawal combined with monitoring mechanisms, confidence‑building measures, and a commitment to address humanitarian and social needs on both sides of the Dniester river. By foregrounding transparency and peaceful engagement, Moldova signals its intent to pursue a durable solution through dialogue rather than confrontation, aiming to create a more predictable and secure environment for everyday life in Transnistria and neighboring regions. The leadership views this as a test of regional responsibility: a chance to demonstrate that cooperation and adherence to international norms can govern a tense situation and set a constructive example for neighboring states facing similar security challenges. Ultimately, the stance reflects a coherent foreign policy built on de‑escalation, verified steps, and a willingness to engage in negotiations that respect sovereignty, protect civilians, and advance regional stability for communities across the border and beyond.