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Russia warns US, NATO, and Ukraine over ‘reckless steps’ in Transnistria

Friday, 24 February 2023 5:29 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 24 February 2023 6:32 PM ]

In this file photo taken on February 13, 2023 Polish and Ukrainian soldiers are seen on a Leopard 2 A4 tank during a training at the Swietoszow Military Base in Swietoszow, western Poland. (By AFP)

The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that any action by Ukraine or its Western allies that poses a threat to Russian peacekeepers or Russian nationals in the region separated from Moldova in Transnistria will be considered an attack on Russia.

In a statement released on Friday, Russian diplomats cited data from the country's Defense Ministry, according to which Ukraine has amassed a significant number of military forces and military equipment, including artillery, on its border with Transnistria.

In light of the deployment, Moscow warned the United States, NATO member states, and their Ukrainian subordinates against any adventurous actions or provocations.

"We warn the US, NATO member countries, and their Ukrainian wards from the next reckless steps," the ministry said, adding that "any actions that pose a threat to their security will be considered in accordance with international law as an attack on the Russian Federation."

While Russia favors “political-diplomatic” ways of resolving issues, “no one should have any doubt that the Russian armed forces will react appropriately to any provocation by the Kiev regime,” the statement reads.

Moscow says Moldova hit by 'anti-Russian hysteria'

Moscow has denounced Moldova for pursuing an "anti-Russian agenda."

Moscow has stressed that it is determined to protect citizens, peacekeepers, and military forces stationed in the breakaway region of Moldova.

On Thursday, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a report on the increase of Ukrainian forces along the country's border with Transnistria.

The territory on the left bank of the Dniester River declared its independence from Moldova in the early 1990s, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. About 1,100 Russian troops are stationed as peacekeepers in Transnistria to monitor a 1992 ceasefire between Moldovan and local forces.

Last week, Moldova's parliament approved a new pro-Western government after the previous administration step down en masse following months of political and economic scandals.

New Prime Minister Dorin Recean's government has vowed to pursue a pro-European path.

Moldova is not a member of NATO. But it applied to join the European Union less than two weeks after the onset of war in Ukraine.

If the plan moves forward, NATO members would provide modern weaponry to Moldova, replacing its Soviet-era equipment. They will also train soldiers on how to use it, according to reports.

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