In Transnistria, a part of Moldova that has declared independence, pro-Moscow separatists claim they have prevented an attempt on their leader’s life that they accuse Ukrainian security forces of orchestrating.
The accusations, which are squeezed along Ukraine’s southwest border with Moldova, were dismissed by Kyiv on Thursday as a Kremlin “provocation.” This is only the latest in a string of claims and denials regarding the land.
The government of Moldova declared that it was looking into an allegedly “terrorist” attack in Transnistria.
The prime minister, Dorin Recean, told reporters, “We don’t have a confirmation of these things. The administration is prepared to respond to provocations.
The purported attempt on Vadim Krasnoselsky’s life was reported by Russian state news outlets. It was unclear at first if the Transnistrian officials had offered proof to back up their assertion.
The rebels claimed that a crime was being planned against a number of officials “on the orders of the Security Service of Ukraine,” according to reports from the state-run TASS news agency in Russia. The accused have been taken into custody.
The Ukrainian Security Service responded by releasing a statement that read: “Lies and provocations are the tools [Russia] actively employs. Yet, the world today is aware of the genuine aggressor and does not accept the claims made by Russia or its allies.
The predominantly Russian-speaking region of Transnistria, which broke away from Moldova’s rule in 1990—a year before the Soviet Union fell—is reliant on Russian assistance.
Due to Transnistria’s fealty to Moscow and its location on Ukraine’s western border, there has been a persistent worry that the war may spread there ever since Russia invaded Ukraine.
After launching a “false flag” operation in Transnistria, Russia charged Ukraine with having invasion plans; Kyiv refuted the charge. Moldova similarly denied Russia’s assertion.
Moscow has declared that it will consider any actions that put the safety of Russian servicemen stationed in Transnistria in jeopardy.
