The European Union and pro-EU Moldova had previously assumed that the purpose of the meeting was to present a request for the annexation of Transnistria to Russia.
The pro-Russian leadership of the separatist region of Transnistria, located between Moldova and Ukraine, asked Russia for “protection” on Wednesday. The council of the separatist region approved the decision.
The region’s decision-makers ask the Russian Federation Council and the State Duma to “take action to protect Transnistria under increasing pressure from Moldova.” According to the decision-makers’ statement, the pressure is “social and economic, which contradicts the principles of European free trade and human rights”. The statement does not describe in more detail what actions are wanted from Russia.
Previously, it was expected that the separatist region would wish to join Russia. Local opposition politician Gennady Tshorba thought it very likely before the meeting that the representatives would ask for the annexation of Transnistria to Russia.
The European Union and pro-EU Moldova had also assumed in advance that the purpose of the meeting was to present this request.
Local news agencies and Russian media reported on the matter, such as RIA Novosti.
Customs payments to Transnistria in the background
Relations between Moldova and Transnistria may have tightened of recent times customs duties. Moldova decided last year will start taxing products imported from Transnistria from the beginning of this year.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Moldova Oleg Serebrean reported in January about the discussions with Transnistria as a representative. Moldova imposed customs duties on Transnistria as part of its intentions to become an EU-eligible country.
President Maia Sandu has said that the EU membership application could be continued in Moldova even without Transnistria. Sandu has referred to the divided island of Cyprus in the membership negotiations.
Moldova is the poorest country in Europe with less than three million inhabitants.
Russia has had plans for the area for years
The narrow strip of land in Transnistria has been under the control of Russian-backed military forces since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1992, a war was fought between newly independent Moldova and Transnistria, which was trying to get rid of it.
In recent years, there were an estimated 1,000–2,000 Russian soldiers in the separatist region. Moldova has demanded the occupier’s soldiers leave, but Russia considers them peacekeepers.
It has also been feared that Russia will try to open a second front against Ukraine from Transnistria. Last week, the Russian Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of planning to attack Transnistria.
– The international community cannot ignore the decisions of the current meeting, assured the leader of the separatist region’s “foreign policy” Vitaly Ignatyev before publicizing the meeting petition.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a State of the Nation Address to the Russian Parliament tomorrow, Thursday.
No country has recognized Transnistria, and according to International Law, the region is part of Moldova.
Last year, it became clear from a document leak that ended up in the media’s possession that Russia has a plan to undermine Moldova’s independence.
The plan drawn up by Russia in 2021 is divided into three areas: military-political, economic, and humanitarian, and three periods: Until 2022, until 2025, and for the long term. The document describes “realistic goals over a ten-year period”.
Sources: Reuters, AFP, STT