Moldova reacts to the new intention of the Russian commander on the breakaway region of Transnistria

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova on April 23 summoned Russian Ambassador Oleg Vasnetov to express deep concern about the statement of the Russian military commander.

On April 22, acting commander of the Central Military District of Russia Rustam Minnekaev said that the army plans to control the entire Donbass region and the south. Ukraine according to phase 2 of the campaign.

Russian military vehicle in Mariupol, southern Ukraine Reuters

Minnekaev said that establishing a land corridor from Donbass to Crimea and controlling southern Ukraine would give Russia access Transnistriaa declared breakaway territory in eastern Moldova, “where there is evidence of oppression of the Russian-speaking community”.

“These statements are baseless and contrary to the position of the Russian Federation in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within internationally recognized borders,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova said in a statement. .

The map shows the Transnistria region (yellow) in eastern Moldova, which declared itself independent in 1991. The pink areas are currently controlled by Russian forces in Ukraine. Screenshot of The Washington Post

During a meeting with the Russian ambassador, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova emphasized that this country is a neutral state and all parties in the international community, including Russia, must respect this principle.

Moldova declared its independence in 1991 after separating from the Soviet Union and in March officially filed a petition join the EU. Meanwhile, Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova but so far has not been recognized by the United Nations. Russia also does not recognize Transnistria but is said to maintain military forces in the region.

Commenting on the statement of the Russian military commander, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that this shows that the war against Ukraine is just the beginning. The Guardian. He accused Russia of “wanting to occupy other countries”.

“All countries… must help us because we are first in line. And who will be next?”, said President Zelensky.

Russia has not commented on Minnekaev’s comments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment when asked if Russia was expanding its campaign goals in Ukraine.