Breakaway Moldova region seeks Russian aid
Pro-Russian authorities in Transnistria, Moldova’s breakaway region, asked Russia on Wednesday for protection against increased pressure from Moldova. Russia didn’t dismiss the request; stating that protecting the people of Transnistria is a priority. The request, made during a special congress with parliamentary attendees, echoes a similar plea from pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine before the war in February 2022. The specifics of the protection sought are unclear, but the appeal includes a call for diplomatic support. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s representative stated that they are carefully reviewing all requests. Transnistria, under de facto pro-Russian control since 1991, faces economic hardships aggravated by the war in Ukraine, with claims that Moldova’s government is waging an ‘economic war’ against them. Moldova, however, dismisses such claims as ‘propaganda’.