Ukraine War is Spreading To Moldova’s Breakaway Transnistria Region

Given its geographical proximity to Ukraine, and the high number of Ukrainian citizens living in the Transnistria, the de-facto authorities of the breakaway Moldovan region have sought to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict.

But, despite the best efforts of its separatist leaders, it appears that the war in Ukraine may have finally spread to Transnistria.

Although the separatist regime is dependent on Russia for its survival, the authorities have refused to officially endorse Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They have consistently reassured their citizens, as well as the international community, that Transnistria has no intention of getting involved in the war in Ukraine.

Recent allegations by the government in Kyiv that Russian soldiers stationed in Transnistria were preparing to attack Ukraine were dismissed by the separatist regime in Tirasopol.

It points to the fact they have taken in over 20,000 refugees as "proof" that they have no intention of attacking Ukraine.

However, tensions in Transnistria have escalated in the past few days. On April 25, three men fired grenade launchers at the de-facto Ministry of Internal Security building in Tiraspol. While the building sustained heavy damage, there were no casualties, as it was a national holiday, due to Orthodox Easter.

The same night, it was reported that several explosions were heard at a military base in a village just outside Tiraspol.

Ukrainian people received aid at the charity center for refugee in downtown Chisinau, Moldova, 22 April 2022. According to UNHCR figures, more than 5,1 million Ukrainians have fled their country, since Russia began its military operation in Ukraine on 24 February 2022. EPA-EFE/DUMITRU DORU

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