It is “highly likely” that Russia plans to destabilize Moldova. The French and German Foreign Ministries say this now that the pro-Russian region of Transnistria, in the far east of Moldova, has asked Russia for protection.
Powers in Transnistria, a separatist and pro-Russian region in the far east of Moldova, approved a resolution on Wednesday asking Russia for “protection” against “increased pressure from Moldova.” The news fuels fears of Russian aggression in Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania.
Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova in the 1990s, but this is not internationally recognized. Russia has stationed an unknown number of soldiers in the region.
LOOK. The pro-Russian region of Transnistria has asked Russia for protection
“Familiar scenario”
“Moldova is facing increasingly aggressive destabilization efforts, most likely directed by Russia,” said a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry. “The call for so-called protection of separatists who have no autonomy is a well-known scenario,” it said.
Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, also emphasizes that developments in Moldova recall the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The demand is reminiscent of that of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in February 2022, which Russian President Vladimir Putin used as an excuse for his large-scale invasion.
“Sham referendums and sham trials to destabilize another country constitute a violation of international law,” Baerbock said.
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