Tiraspol asks Moscow to increase the number of peacekeepers in Transnistria

08.05.2023, Tiraspol.

Tiraspol has asked Moscow to increase the Russian troop of peacekeepers in Transnistria, Leonid Manakov, head of the republic’s representative office in Russia, told RIA Novosti on May 8.

The peacekeepers are the main factor of security on the Dniester and the main obstacle to hotheads, of which there are enough in Chisinau and Kiev,” he said.

Manakov noted that the peacekeeping mission prevents any Moldovan military plans against Transnistria. The diplomat reminded that earlier the Russian Federation sent six motorized infantry battalions to the TMR and since 1995 there have been only two of them. At present there are not more 450 peacekeepers and according to the agreement there should be 3100 people.

According to Manakov, legally the expansion of the peacekeeping contingent is well-grounded. Practically it is also feasible because Russian citizens living in Transnistria can be involved in military service.

It is a reminder that during the current government of Moldova, Chisinau has been building up pressure on Transnistria for the last one and a half years. They don’t allow cars with food and medicine into the TMR, and cars with Transnistrian license plates are not allowed out of the republic. Negotiations have been suspended.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu also constantly demands that Russian peacekeepers leave Transnistria. They are there based on an agreement between Moscow, Chisinau and Tiraspol, but Sandu calls the peacekeepers’ presence illegal.

Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency