Basescu: Putin's objective is to create a much larger Transnistria in eastern Ukraine

President Traian Basescu said on Thursday evening at Cotroceni Palace that Romania condemns Russia's support for separatists in Ukraine, opining that the objective of Russia's President Vladimir Putin is to create a much larger Transnistria in eastern Ukraine.

"Romania condemns the actions of the Russian Federation meant to support separatists in meeting their objective to be no longer under Ukraine's control, which is a unitary state. In addition, Romania reiterates its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to our assessment, President Putin's objective is to create a much larger Transnistria in eastern Ukraine to block both the ratification of the EU Association Agreement, and the possible advance of Ukraine in its effort to become a member state in the medium term. We remain on Ukraine's side. We are a supporter of Ukraine and we shall do whatever it's possible in legal terms to support this country," Basescu told a press conference at the Presidential Palace.

He stressed that the situation at Novoazovsk and Mariopul is also known.

"These are elements that can be considered areas, particularly Novoazovsk, where there are troops of the Russian Federation, but this doesn't mean a great unit, they are infiltrated troops, like in the entire area of eastern Ukraine," President Basescu said.AGERPRES