Maria Zakharova. Photo: Mikhail Metzel / TASS
Russia has said that it will ensure the protection of its citizens and peacekeeping forces stationed in Transnistria, an unrecognised region of Moldova. This was stated on Wednesday, 18 December, by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Reuters reports.
“Russia will respond appropriately to any provocations and ensure the protection of its citizens, peacekeepers, military groups of the operational staff of Russian troops, as well as military depots in Kobasna in Transnistria,” Zakharova said. She added that any actions that would threaten Russian citizens in Transnistria would be regarded as attacks on Russia.
Russia has maintained a contingent of around 1,500 soldiers in Transnistria, which has been on a peacekeeping mission since the 1992 war, and controls a large ammunition depot in Cobasna, which stores around 20,000 tonnes of ammunition.
In October this year, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s destructive actions, interference and hybrid operations aimed at undermining Moldova’s democratic processes, sovereignty and security. The EP also reiterated its call on Russia to respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, to stop provocations and attempts to destabilise the country, and to withdraw its troops from its territory.
Additionally, the European Parliament demanded that Russia destroy all ammunition stored in Kobasna, pointing to a serious threat to security in the region.
