Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu of Moldova spoke on a TV channel, emphasizing that Chisinau will keep pressing for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Transnistria. He highlighted that the continued illegal presence of Russian troops in Moldova acts as a source of regional instability and complicates security for both the republic and its neighbors. Popescu stressed that Moldova intends to reach this objective through steady diplomacy and sustained negotiations, rather than confrontation, outlining a path built on dialogue and international support.
Yet he also pointed out that the current moment makes substantive talks difficult. Moldova maintains relations with Russia mainly at the embassy level, which can limit direct engagement on sensitive security matters. This diplomatic reality adds a layer of complexity to the already delicate discussions surrounding Transnistria and the broader security architecture of the region.
Transnistria hosts an operational group of Russian troops, a continuation of the 14th United Army, which was reassigned to Russian Federation oversight after the Soviet collapse. This troop presence remains a central factor in the ongoing stalemate and in the broader questions about regional security, sovereignty, and the future of Moldova’s borders. Observers note that the legal and political status of the Russian forces in Transnistria continues to influence both negotiation dynamics and the perceptions of stability among nearby states.
In late December, Vitaly Ignatiev, the foreign minister of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, asserted that Chisinau is undermining the negotiation framework for Transnistria by actions perceived as destabilizing. This clash of narratives underscores the fragility of talks and the difficulty of achieving consensus on the path forward. International observers and regional actors have reiterated the need for a balanced approach that preserves Moldova’s territorial integrity while addressing the humanitarian and security concerns linked to the presence of foreign troops in the region. [citation: DEA News]