German Foreign Minister: It is not clear who is behind the attacks in Transnistria. The situation in Moldova is “extremely critical”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told the Berlin parliament on Wednesday that it was unclear who was behind the attacks in the separatist region of Transnistria, but described Moldova’s situation as “extremely critical”. ”. “the Guardian” and SkyNews.
In a speech to the Bundestag, Annalena Baerbock questioned the attacks in recent days in Transnistria. She came to the German parliament to answer questions from MPs about the war in Ukraine to explain Germany’s help and supply to Kiev.
What is happening in Transnistria
Annalena Baerbock’s statements about Transnistria were made as a new suspicious incident was reported in the region on Wednesday morning. Tiraspol separatists say gunfire was fired from the Ukrainian side in the direction of a village, Cobasna, where a huge ammunition depot is located, while several drones allegedly flew over the area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
On Tuesday, two communication towers were blown up in a locality in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, and on Monday evening, in Tiraspol, unidentified people fired a grenade launcher at the headquarters of the so-called security structure in the region. . it was clear that no one was in the building because it was the day of Easter.
What Chisinau says
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said on Tuesday, after a meeting of the Security Council convened as a result of escalating tensions in Transnistria, that according to information obtained by the Moldovan authorities, various forces in the region are interested in destabilizing the situation. “It’s a complex and tense situation. We are vigilant, we will take all the necessary measures to avoid an escalation “, she said. “In recent weeks, there have been several bomb alerts in the region in schools and medical institutions, followed by explosions yesterday and today (Tuesday – no.). The Moldovan authorities are watching carefully and vigilantly. Our analysis shows that there are tensions between different forces within the region, interested in destabilizing the situation. This makes the region vulnerable and creates the Republic of Moldova “, of risks for Maia Sandu.
Surprising statements from Ukraine
For their part, the Ukrainians came up with surprising statements. The Republic of Moldova should seek the help of Romania and Ukraine if the situation deteriorates in Transnistria. The statement came from Oleksii Arestovich, one of President Zelensky’s advisers. The same official claims that Ukraine could solve “as quickly as possible” the security crisis of the Russian military representation in Transnistria.
Another adviser to the Ukrainian president warned that Moldovans across the Prut should expect special guests. The term “special guests” refers to Russian soldiers.
In turn, President Zelensky was even more direct. “This is another of the steps planned by the Russian Federation. Their special services worked there (in Transnistria, no.) And it is not simply for the sake of false news. It is clear why he wants to destabilize the situation in the region, to threaten Moldova, showing him what will happen if Moldova continues to support Ukraine. As far as Russian troops are permanently present in the territory of the temporarily occupied region of Moldova, Transnistria, we have known for many years that they are constantly waiting for a marching order. But we know the size of the troops, and the Ukrainian armed forces are ready to deal. Don’t be afraid of them! ” – said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Romania’s position
In Bucharest, too, tensions in Transnistria are worrying.
“Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note with concern of several recent incidents, still unclear, in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova,” a statement said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Romania fully supports the call of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, for calm and responsibility after the attacks in Transnistria and also supports “Chisinau’s operational efforts to manage these developments responsibly, transparently and in a balanced way.” , shows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For his part, the defense minister said he was trying to provoke a conflict in Transnistria, but did not see the possibility of a war in Moldova because it was a neutral country. The minister agreed to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart, but assured that there were no talks for Romania to send weapons to Ukraine.
Transnistria as a stake in the war in Ukraine
From a military point of view, Transnistria may be a disadvantage for Ukraine, a risk for control over southwestern Ukraine, primarily in relation to Odessa.
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, says Russia is organizing “fake flag attacks” in Transnistria.
A resurgence of the Transnistrian conflict could destabilize Moldova and open a new front in the war in Ukraine. Odessa, Ukraine’s main port city, is just east of Transnistria. If Russia consolidates Transnistria’s forces, it can then attack the Odes from the west, as the attack on the city from the east has been blocked by Ukrainian troops. Such a strategy would divert Ukrainian forces, already in high demand, forcing them to move west, which could leave gaps in the east, he said. BBC News.
On Friday, a senior Russian general, Rustam Minnekaiev, the deputy commander of Russia’s Central Military District, said Russia was aiming to take full control of the Donbas and southern Ukraine in the second phase of its military operations in Ukraine. make a land corridor to the Crimea. The Russian general also said that Russia is also considering a corridor to Transnistria, where, according to him, there are “cases of oppression of the Russian-speaking population.”
Following the Russian general’s statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia’s invasion of its countries was just beginning and that Moscow had plans to invade other countries.
Editor: Luana Pavaluca