Former adviser to the head of the Vladimir Zelensky Office, Alexei Arestovich, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces could seize Transnistria within three days if the Moldovan authorities demanded it.
“Moldova is a sovereign state and it decides for itself from whom to seek help. We can only assist with the decision of the Moldovan authorities. We have the opportunity, ”said the politician (quoting RIA Novosti).
“This can be resolved in three days,” Arestovich said, noting that Chisinau has not asked for help so far.
Moscow’s response
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released February 24 statement “in connection with the preparation of a military provocation by the Kiev regime against Transnistria.” It was emphasized in Moscow that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation would react to such actions.
“In connection with the significant accumulation of personnel and military equipment recorded by the Ukrainian units near the Ukraine-Pridnestrovian border, the deployment of artillery in firing positions and the unprecedented increase in the flights of unmanned aerial vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On the territory of Transnistria, we warn the United States, NATO member states and their Ukrainian trustees against another adventurous step, ”the comment reads.
The diplomatic department specifically stated that they are in favor of a political and diplomatic solution, however, any action that poses a threat to the security of Russian peacekeepers and military personnel of the Russian Forces Operational Group and military depots in Pridnestrovie will be “considered” as an act against the Russian Federation in accordance with international law. It’s an attack.”
“Action of the Armed Forces of Ukraine”
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that Kiev has accelerated preparations for the invasion of Transnistria. “This action of the Ukrainian armed forces will be carried out in response to the alleged attack of Russian troops from the territory of Transnistria,” the agency said. Telegram.
The Ministry noted a “significant accumulation” of personnel and military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the Ukraine-Pridnestrovian border, the deployment of artillery in firing positions, and an “unprecedented increase in flights of unmanned aircraft of the Armed Forces.” Via Transnistria, Ukraine.
The Ministry stressed that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation “will adequately respond” to Kiev’s upcoming provocation.
The day before, the Ministry of Defense warned of a “provocation”, noting that it would be carried out by the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the participation of the Azov regiment (the organization is banned in Russia). Ukrainian saboteurs participating in the “staged occupation” will wear the uniform of Russian military personnel.
“Not the target of military manipulation”
Unrecognized Transnistrian Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev in a recent interview “Izvestia” He stated that they observed “certain dynamics by both Ukraine and Moldova” in Tiraspol, but did everything they could to prevent escalation.
“The most important thing is that Pridnestrovie does not threaten anyone, nor does it threaten Ukraine,” he stressed, adding that the unrecognized state “should not be seen as an object of military manipulation.”
“Call for Calmness”
On February 23, Moldovan authorities issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and not rely on unreliable sources.
“We call for calm and invite the public to follow the official and reliable sources of Moldova,” the government’s Telegram post said.
Chisinau said that it interacts with foreign partners and, in case of any danger, immediately informs Moldovans about it.
“Every step is aggression”
Former President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, warned that the invasion of Transnistria by Ukrainian troops would be an attack on Moldova.
“Any action from Ukraine towards Pridnestrovie will be an attack on the Republic of Moldova. Ukraine will immediately become aggressive,” he said.
The politician also opposed the forced resolution of the Transnistria problem and expressed confidence that Moldova “can resolve this issue peacefully”. “We don’t need your help in Transnistria, mind your own problems,” Dodon stressed.
Disarmament of Transnistria
Moldova’s new Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, said last week that he aims for the “demilitarization” of Transnistria and the withdrawal of the Russian army from the territory of the unrecognized republic.
“Moldova is in a process that envisages only a peaceful resolution of the Transnistria problem. This means that Russia must withdraw its troops, unload weapons and ammunition, ”he emphasized in an interview with media representatives.
According to Rechan, we are not talking about restricting the peacekeeping mission, but about the withdrawal of the task force of Russian troops – more than 1.5 thousand Russian soldiers who were on the territory of Moldova “without legal grounds”.
The day the politician made this statement about the demilitarization of Pridnestrovie, the country’s cabinet was approved.
“Russian Federation wants to continue on its way”
At the end of December, the head of the Moldovan Information and Security Service, Alexandru Mustiata, said that Russia plans to invade the country. There was no evidence of an impending attack.
According to Musteata, Russian authorities are considering several scenarios for an attack, including a ground attack from Ukrainian territory to Moldova.
“The question is not whether Russia will launch a new offensive on the territory of the republic, but when: at the beginning of the year, in January, February or later, in March, April. However, according to the information we have, Russia plans to continue on its way.”
Russian peacekeepers have been in Transnistria since 1992, when the active phase of the conflict with Moldova ended.