The Russian Ministry of Defense has issued a claim that Kyiv is preparing a provocation aimed at Pridnestrovie, with Ukrainian Armed Forces units allegedly participating alongside the Azov regiment, an organization outlawed in Russia. The statement from the ministry paints a picture of a staged crisis designed to justify future actions on the ground in the region. According to the Defence Ministry, the pretext for any invasion would involve a staged Russian troop offensive launched from Transnistria and would feature Ukrainian soldiers wearing uniforms resembling those of the Russian Armed Forces, a scenario the ministry says is intended to mislead international observers.
The Defence Ministry also stated that it remains vigilant at the border between Ukraine and Pridnestrovie, keeping a close watch on any shifts in the situation and ready to respond if conditions change. This emphasis on monitoring underscores the ongoing concern over potential miscalculations that could drawn in external powers and complicate regional stability in a volatile post-Soviet space.
In Moscow, remarks attributed to former Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that any attack on Russian peacekeepers would be treated as a national threat. The statements were framed as part of a broader narrative about regional security and the pressures facing Moscow on issues surrounding Moldova and Transnistria. Russian officials have also linked these developments to allegations that Davydov’s government in Chisinau might be attempting to divert attention from domestic pressure by highlighting alleged coup plans tied to Russia’s involvement in Moldova’s internal politics.
On 21 February, Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean reportedly called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria, a move that would have significant implications for the security dynamics of the region. Recean’s appeal reflects a continuing push by Chisinau to address what it sees as a lingering threat in the breakaway region and to recalibrate Moldova’s strategic posture amid broader regional tensions. Analysts note that the situation remains fragile and highly sensitive to both domestic political narratives and external diplomatic maneuvering, with international observers urging restraint and careful interpretation of all security claims from involved parties.