The Kremlin today expressed “concern” about the situation in the Transnistria region, which has split from Moldova. According to the state-run TASS news agency, outside forces are stirring up the situation there.
Last week, Moscow told the West it would consider any action that “threatens Russian peacekeepers in Transnistria” as an attack on Russia itself.
Russia’s warning is raising fears of a possible Russian attack on Moldova, a tiny former Soviet republic squeezed between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova’s pro-European president, Maia Sandu, this month accused Moscow of planning a coup – which Russia has denied.
Kremlin: Pay close attention to China’s plan for Ukraine
Despite international scepticism, the Kremlin has cautiously welcomed the Chinese position paper to end the Russia-initiated war against Ukraine. “Any attempt to draw up plans that would help put the conflict on a peaceful path deserves attention,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax today. “We are also treating our Chinese friends’ plan very carefully.”
On the first anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion on Friday, China submitted a position paper calling for a ceasefire and talks, among other things. Western diplomats and experts reacted with skepticism and disappointment, as the twelve-point document did not reveal any new initiatives. Furthermore, China is considered a close ally of Russia and has never clearly condemned the invasion of Ukraine.