Fears that Moldova could be drawn into the Ukraine War have intensified in recent days after a series of eruptions in Transnistria, a separatist region of the country. The Ministry of State Security, a radio tower and a military unit were hit. The perpetrators of the attacks are still unknown.
Bordering Ukraine to the west, this region is controlled by pro-Russian groups and is permanently home to approximately 1,500 Russian soldiers and an arms depot. There is circulation of its own currency and Russian is the dominant language – on the other hand, the language spoken by the majority of the population in Moldova is Romanian. Also, Transnistria’s economy is heavily dependent on gas delivered free of charge from Moscow.
An article by Amanda Coakley and Amy Mackinnon published by the magazine Foreign policy He claims this week that Russia may advance towards the Moldovan border “as part of its plan to remap the Black Sea region”. In this context, it should not be forgotten that Ukraine’s main port city, Odessa, is located in the east of Transnistria and an operation in this direction could work as an alternative to dominate the region, because on the other hand there is resistance. Ukrainian navies from forces.
It should also be noted that the main argument used by Russia to invade Ukraine in February was “to defend people who identify with Russian ethnicity”. This same narrative has popped up over and over to deal with Transnistria. For example, it was voiced by Rustam Minnekayev, a Russian general, in recent interviews.
The emphasis on Transnistria was also revealed in the speeches of Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Denis Pushilin, the leader of the self-proclaimed republic in Donetsk. During a talk show, the latter openly suggested that Russia initiate a new campaign phase in the war against Ukraine involving Transnistria.
Similarly, concerns about the future of the region caused the Moldovan National Security Council to convene in the last days and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to raise his voice. He accused Russia of being behind the explosions as a way of destabilizing the situation in the region and creating excuses for further steps in the conflict.
For the most careful observers, the move by US authorities for some time is also noteworthy because of the focus given to Moldova. Since the start of the Ukraine War, Foreign Minister Antony Blinken has visited the country in March and USAID (United States Development Agency) Samantha Power in April. Both met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
The aim of the talks so far has always been to make it clear that the US supports “Moldova’s democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. To mitigate the effects of the war in the region, the Americans have diverted resources already totaling over $130 million into the country. According to them, the aim is to contribute to the management of the humanitarian/refugee crisis and to reduce the economic costs of the conflict. The US also appears to be making significant efforts to help reduce Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy resources.
Speaking to the press during his last visit to the country, Blinken celebrated 30 years of friendship between the United States and Moldova. On this occasion, “countries have the right to choose their own future”, “Moldova has chosen the path of democracy, a more inclusive economy, closer relationship with European countries and institutions” and “The United Nations States support Moldova in these efforts.”
Beyond what has been made public and all development aid given, there are certainly security risks surrounding Moldova that are being watched by the West. But the question that remains unanswered is: What is the limit of Russia’s ambitions in Eastern Europe?
source: Noticias
