August M
A fresh exchange of warnings has raised concerns over stability in Eastern Europe.
Diplomatic tensions are growing as both sides restate their positions on a long-running dispute.
According to Digi24, citing TASS, Russia’s ambassador to Chisinau has warned that Moscow could take action if the situation in the breakaway Transnistria region escalates.
Oleg Ozerov said Russia would act to protect its citizens in the area if any attempt was made to resolve the conflict by force.
Strong warning
“Russia will take all available measures to protect its citizens in the Transnistrian region in the event of attempts to resolve the Transnistrian problem by force,” Ozerov said during a press conference.
He added that Moscow is considering “all options, all scenarios, including improbable ones”, warning that responsibility for any escalation would fall on Moldova’s leadership.
The comments reflect longstanding tensions over Transnistria, a separatist region along the Dniester River.
Moldova response
Moldovan officials have rejected such statements, describing them as misleading. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri said similar claims from Russian officials were “unfounded” and “distorted”.
“We consider such information unfounded, which distorts the position of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the country’s reintegration,” he said.
Chiveri reiterated that Moldova seeks a peaceful solution based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Military presence
According to Digi24, around 1,700 Russian troops remain stationed in Moldova. A portion are officially part of peacekeeping forces, while others belong to a separate Russian group based in Transnistria.
Moldova considers the latter deployment illegal and continues to call for the withdrawal of all Russian forces, citing commitments made by Moscow in 1999.
Ongoing dispute
For authorities in the separatist region, the Russian military presence is seen as a stabilising factor. However, for Chisinau, it remains a key obstacle to resolving the conflict.
The latest statements highlight the fragile nature of the situation, with both sides maintaining sharply different views on security and sovereignty.
Sources: Digi24, TASS
