Russia has accused Moldova of planning a military operation in the Russian-backed secessionist region of Transnistria, sparking concerns of a potential “false flag” attack. Russia’s accusations, including claims of NATO influence in Moldova and the transfer of weapons to the country, have raised fears of Moscow seeking justification for action against its smaller neighbor.
Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, has been a point of contention since its independence declaration in 1990. The region is allied with Russia and hosts Russian troops and weapons facilities. The recent accusations by Russia against Moldova, including claims of planning a military operation and supporting Ukraine, are seen as potential efforts to disrupt Moldova’s EU accession and destabilize the region.
In addition to political interference, Moldova faces an energy crisis as Ukraine has decided to cut off gas transit through Transnistria, affecting Moldova’s energy supply. This has led to preparations for a harsh winter without Russian gas, with a state of emergency declared in December. Furthermore, recent explosions in Transnistria have been seen as false flag attacks orchestrated by Russia to create a pretext for intervention.
Overall, the situation between Russia and Moldova is tense, with concerns of escalating tensions and potential military intervention in Transnistria. Moldova’s President Sandu has called for Western assistance and raised alarms of possible Russian aggression, urging for support as the country navigates these challenging times.
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