Pro-Russia rebels meet as Ukraine war drags on
CHISINAU: Pro-Russian rebels in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria geared up for a rare meeting yesterday, amid fears the territory could open a new flashpoint in Moscow’s conflict with neighbouring Ukraine.
The thin slither of land has been de facto controlled by pro-Russian forces since the collapse of the Soviet Union, but is internationally recognised as part of Moldova.
Transnistria was scheduled to hold a special congress yesterday, only the seventh in its history, amid a deepening row with the Moldovan government over customs duties.
The last such meeting was held in 2006, when deputies announced a referendum on integrating with Russia. The vote resulted in an overwhelming majority in favour.
The pro-EU government in Moldova and Western countries are worried that separatist lawmakers in the region could repeat the gesture, taking advantage of Russia’s offensive in neighbouring Ukraine.
Officials in the region were coy about the purpose of the meeting.
The separatist region’s Supreme Council said deputies would discuss Transnistria’s “political and socio-economic situation” amid what they said was “pressure” from Moldova.
Local opposition politician Gennady Chorba said it was “most likely” deputies would ask to join Russia, a day before President Vladimir Putin was set to deliver his annual address to Russian lawmakers.
Since Moscow began its full-scale assault on Ukraine, Moldova has worried that the Kremlin could use Transnistria to open a new front in the southwest, in the direction of Odessa.
The tiny region was rocked by unexplained blasts in 2022. Military analysts believe it may have been an attempt by pro-Russian elements to drag the region into the conflict.
Last week, Russia’s defence ministry alleged that Ukraine planned an armed incursion into the breakaway territory, without providing evidence.