Ukraine must keep troops near Transnistria, Moldovan official says
Photo: Ukraine must keep troops near Transnistria (Getty Images)
Russian troops in Transnistria pose a potential destabilizing threat to Ukraine, so Kyiv should keep its troops near its borders, according to former Moldovan Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuța.
"For Ukraine, Russian troops in Transnistria are no longer an inert factor. They are seen as a potential platform for destabilization. Ukraine must keep its troops (near Transnistria - ed.) just in case. Even with limited capabilities, their significance remains political and strategic," Marinuța says.
According to him, a complete, phased, and controlled withdrawal of Russian armed forces is necessary, with the establishment of a schedule, international monitoring, and independent auditing of ammunition in Kobasna, etc.
"The second form is the transformation of the peacekeeping operation, because now it is a kind of hybrid that allows separatism to develop in the region. Of course, there needs to be a clear distinction between peacekeeping and the unilateral Russian military presence. Ultimately, the mission must be civilian," he adds.
Threat from Transnistria
Transnistria, with a limited Russian contingent, has remained uncontrolled by Moldova for many years.
At the end of December, RBC-Ukraine sources reported the start of mobilization, the conscription of reservists, the decommissioning of equipment, the launch of drone production, and the creation of drone operator training centers.
The risk of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups infiltrating Ukraine from Transnistria has increased significantly. With these actions, the Kremlin may divert some of Ukraine's resources to counter threats from Transnistria.
Subsequently, Moldova denied reports of increased Russian military activity in Transnistria, noting that various actions regularly take place there that contribute to tensions in the region.
According to the Ukrainian ambassador to Moldova, the so-called Separate Group of Russian Forces (SGRF) currently consists of over a thousand armed soldiers.
