As Moldova contends with pressures from Moscow, a significant development has emerged: the Transnistria congress, in the breakaway region backed by the Kremlin, has made moves towards formally requesting annexation by Russia.
The congress, reportedly set to coincide with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Russian Parliament, has been interpreted as a possible prelude to a significant geopolitical shift. The opposition official, Ghenadie Chorba, stated on social media, “A request should be voiced, on behalf of citizens living on the Left Bank, to Russia, to accept Transnistria into the Russian Federation, and on February 29, Putin will announce this in his address.”
This potential annexation request comes as part of a longstanding issue within Moldova, which has accused Russia-backed entities of subversive activities against its government, exploiting the Transnistrian region to compromise national security. The European Council’s opening of negotiations for Moldova’s accession to the EU has certainly raised the stakes for Russia, which has been accused of a destabilization plot.
The Transnistrian Parliament’s intention to seek integration with Russia is not a new concept but has gained renewed interest following the conflict in Ukraine. Russian troops have maintained a presence in Transnistria since the region’s de facto independence in 1992. Moldova has consistently called for their withdrawal, considering their presence illegitimate and illegal.
The European Union has taken a firm stance on the issue, having recently imposed sanctions on individuals and a paramilitary group allegedly destabilizing Moldova. Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Serious and increasingly intense attempts to destabilize the country are being made again and again.”
Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of Transnistria’s annexation request, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating, “I am not sure that the Transnistrians—or whoever is present at the congress—will take this step next week.” Ukraine has declared its commitment to resolutely respond to any provocations aimed at destabilizing Moldova.
Relevant articles:
– Putin’s Allies Accused of Plotting Another Russian Land-Grab
– Russia May Annex Another European Country, Newsweek, Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:03:25 GMT
– Transnistria Reportedly Prepares Request for Annexation by Russia, Atlas News, Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:56:05 GMT
– “MP” says Moldova’s Transnistria may request annexation by Russia; Ukrainian intel deems claim “unconfirmed”, Euromaidan Press, Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:52:17 GMT