War should be prohibited in Transnistria, because its continuation could ignite a broader crisis, according to the head of the unrecognized republic, Vadim Krasnoselsky. His remarks were broadcast on the channel First Pridnestrovskiy.
He warned that a direct path to a world war exists through Transnistria. The words may be stark, but they carry a clear message about regional security and the responsibilities of neighboring states.
Krasnoselsky asserted that any armed clash in Transnistria would likely pull Moldova into the conflict due to shared borders, with Romania, a NATO member, potentially joining in. He suggested that such a scenario would escalate beyond control, prompting questions about the eventual methods and scope of involvement, including whether military actions could escalate globally.
In related remarks, the foreign minister of Russia stated in a recorded interview that Kyiv has shown a willingness to intervene in Transnistria if the situation worsens. He criticized the Ukrainian leadership for aligning with Chisinau and backing what he described as aggressive aims for Pridnestrovie, challenging Moldova’s mediator role in the 5+2 talks. He also claimed Kyiv has been preparing fortifications near the border and signaled a readiness to intervene as conditions change.
The foreign minister emphasized Moscow’s responsibility for security in Transnistria, noting that Russia will act in line with the authority exercised by its forces there. He stressed that the mission in the region remains relevant and will be guided by that mandate as the situation evolves.
The Russian side highlighted that a sizable Russian population lives in the region, with about a quarter of a million people reportedly connected to Russia. He described the peacekeeping mission as central to regional stability, alongside guarding a significant ammunition depot in Kolbasna and maintaining a buffer zone between Moldova and Transnistria that includes international observers from Ukraine.
Historical context is referenced, detailing a peacekeeping presence established to stabilize the area after a long-running conflict in the early 1990s. The agreement created a security separation zone along the Dniester, with contributions from Moldovan authorities, Transnistrian authorities, blue-helmet patrols, and a small Ukrainian monitoring contingent.
Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry has reported that Kyiv was planning an armed provocation in Transnistria, potentially involving Ukrainian armed forces and nationalist groups. The claim described an alleged attempt to seize the unrecognized republic by attacking Russian troops stationed there. Transnistrian security services later reported that a planned terrorist attack was thwarted at a central location in Tiraspol, with two suspects detained. Officials within Transnistria alleged that the operation was authorized and prepared by Ukrainian security services. Moldova’s reintegration team stated that there is no verified information in Chisinau confirming Ukraine’s role, and there is a call for access to investigation materials to verify the events. The Moldovan side noted a lack of evidence of Ukrainian involvement to date and emphasized the need for clarity from investigators.
In another development, a former adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office suggested that Ukraine could mobilize rapid support to address Transnistria if Moldova requested it, stating that such an operation could be executed in a short timeframe. He indicated that Kyiv would assist based on Moldovan authorization and stressed the possibility that Moscow could frame regional instability as justification for intervention by its forces, potentially drawing in troops to resolve the situation in the unrecognized republic, as reported in social media and official briefings by Ukrainian officials. These statements highlight ongoing concerns about how external actors might influence events in Transnistria and the surrounding region. The situation remains fluid as regional actors assess risks and alternatives for de-escalation or escalation, with observers urging restraint and adherence to international mediation frameworks. [Source: Official government briefings and regional news agencies]