Ukraine to restore consulate in Transnistria: Conditions named
Ukraine may restore a consulate in the unrecognized Transnistria (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine is ready to consider the resumption of consular services on the territory of the Transnistrian region of Moldova, which is currently controlled by the unrecognized Transnistrian Republic, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
On Monday, February 19, Ukraine's Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paun Rohovei, met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrian, and the leader of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, Vadim Krasnoselsky.
During the meetings, the parties discussed the resolution of problematic issues of an economic and socio-humanitarian nature in relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol.
The Ukrainian side emphasized its support for an exclusively peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian issue while preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.
Kyiv also stated that it would decisively respond to any provocations aimed at involving the Transnistrian region in Russia's war against Ukraine or destabilizing the situation in Moldova as a whole.
At the same time, Ukraine has expressed readiness to consider the issue of resuming consular services for Ukrainian citizens in the Transnistrian region. However, there are two requirements for this:
- ensuring security for Ukrainian consular staff;
- guaranteeing unhindered movement to/from the location of consular activities for diplomats.
At the same time, a representative of Tiraspol confirmed their willingness to cooperate with Chisinau regarding the opening of new transport corridors for Ukrainian exports.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua)
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua)
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua)
What is Transnistria
Transnistria is a region along the left bank of the Dniester River. Historically, it was predominantly inhabited by Ukrainians (Rusyns) and Moldovans (Vlachs).
In 1990, with the military support of the Russian army, the self-proclaimed Transnistrian Moldovan Republic was formed in the region. Only a few states with unrecognized separatist status, such as "Abkhazia and South Ossetia, recognized it internationally.
The capital of this republic is the city of Tiraspol, and its official languages are Russian, Romanian, and Ukrainian.
In the 1990s, an armed conflict erupted between the separatists and Russian forces on one side and the Moldovan military on the other, ending in victory for the separatists with the involvement of the Russian army. Afterward, Moldova lost control over the region.
What is the 5+2 format
The diplomatic platform aimed at resolving the Transnistrian conflict consists of representatives from Moldova, Transnistria (conflict parties), Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE (mediators), as well as the European Union and the US (observers).
Negotiations began in 2005. The last meeting of the platform took place on June 3, 2021.
Situation in Transnistria
Recently, President of Moldova Maia Sandu did not rule out the possibility that in the coming years, there will be a geopolitical opportunity to resolve the issue of the Transnistrian region.
The General Staff of Romania believes that if Russia wins the war against Ukraine, the next target of the aggressor will be Moldova.
Meanwhile, Russia was bribing voters who participated in local elections last November.
