Not Russian troops: Expert names real threat from Transnistria to Ukraine
Photo: Toxic Telegram channels are operated from Transnistria (Getty Images)
The most toxic Telegram channels spreading disinformation in Ukraine are operated from Transnistria. Recruitment of citizens to carry out terrorist attacks also takes place from there, stated Vitalii Kulyk, head of the Laboratory for Countering Disinformation at Kyiv National Economic University.
According to him, Russia is actively working to destabilize the situation in Moldova, also using the Transnistrian issue.
"It uses Transnistria to put pressure on the Republic of Moldova and on us (Ukraine - ed.) as well. Of course, the Russian military potential located in Transnistria is not so dangerous for the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the expert noted.
Kulyk recalled that in 2014 and 2022, sabotage groups carried out incursions into Ukraine from Transnistrian territory, and information campaigns were conducted.
“The most toxic Telegram channels spreading disinformation in Ukraine are administered from Transnistria. Recruitment of Ukrainians to carry out terrorist attacks also takes place from there — these are proved fact," he said.
The expert stressed that this is indeed one of the key national security challenges for Ukraine.
"Ukraine, together with Moldova and its European partners, is interested in ensuring that the situation is at least controlled, if not fully resolved," he added.
Telegram ban debate in Ukraine
Following a terrorist attack in Lviv that killed a police officer, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Vereshchuk proposed blocking Telegram in Ukraine due to recruitment activities carried out through the platform.
In turn, Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov said that back in 2024, he had suggested restricting Telegram in Ukraine, but not imposing a full ban.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also supports placing restrictions on the messenger.
At the same time, a sociological survey showed that more than 75% of Ukrainians oppose blocking Telegram, although they favor stronger oversight by law enforcement agencies.
