Moldova’s government has called for calm after Moscow claimed without evidence that an invasion of the breakaway region of Trans-Dniester was likely
Moldova’s government has dismissed an accusation by Russia’s defense ministry that Ukraine is planning to invade the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria after staging a false-flag operation.
“We call for calm and for information to be received from official and credible sources of the Republic of Moldova” the government said in a statement.
“Our institutions cooperate with foreign partners and in the case of threats to the country, the public will be promptly informed,” adding that the government “do not confirm” the Russian defence ministry’s allegations.
On Thursday, Russia’s defense ministry claimed Ukraine – which borders Moldova – posed “a direct threat” to Russian troops in the Russian-speaking region.
“The armed forces of the Russian Federation will adequately respond to the impending provocation of the Ukrainian side,” it said in a statement.
Separately, Tass news agency quoted Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin as saying the west had instructed Moldova’s government in Chisinau to stop all interaction with Trans-Dniester’s Moscow-backed authorities.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the tiny republic, which is one of Europe’s poorest countries, has had to contend with large numbers of refugees, soaring inflation and power cuts.
President Maia Sandu, who wants her country to join the European Union, accused Moscow this month of planning to overthow the government.. Moscow denied the allegation.
“The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work. Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country,” Sandu said.
Trans-Dneister broke away from Moldova in 1990 and is controlled by Russia separatists.
