Sandu reveals Russia's intent behind fake news on Transnistria annexation
Maia Sandu (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia attempted to intimidate Moldovans with its fakes claiming that Transnistria supposedly wants to join its territory, says Moldova's President Maia Sandu.
She reminds that Tiraspol recently appealed to Russia and other international structures and organizations.
"Meanwhile, Russian propaganda has spread this scare tactic (about a possible annexation of Transnistria - Ed.). The Kremlin does this to intimidate Moldovans, especially during our election year. The Kremlin wants us to be scared, wants us to be spineless, to be controlled by corrupt officials, and to be able to deal with them by bribing politicians, as it has been happening for many years," the president notes.
According to her, Moldova must prevent Moscow's plans from being implemented and maintain peace. This depends on unity and the ability not to be deceived.
Sandu emphasizes that Russia currently "cannot do anything in Transnistria, even if it wanted to," because it requires a change of power in Chisinau.
The president states that she expects Russia to respect Moldova's choice.
"We are a democratic country, we still need to strengthen this democracy, but people decide for themselves what to do, where to go, who to cooperate with," adds the head of state.
What preceded
Earlier information appeared online that deputies of the so-called Transnistrian Moldavian Republic would ask Russia to join its composition at the congress on February 28.
Later, such rumors were not confirmed - the deputies only called on Russia for protection from Moldova.
Representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, commented to RBC-Ukraine that such an outcome did not meet Russia's expectations.
