Transnistria drone attack stokes regional tension; Moldova denies Ukrainian involvement
The so-called Ministry of Security of Transnistria reported that a drone attacked a military unit in Tiraspol. The unmanned aircraft fell on a helicopter, completely destroying it by fire. Chisinau considers the explosion in Transnistria an "attempt to cause fear and panic in the region." Additionally, the Moldovan authorities "deny Ukraine's involvement in the incident.
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The so-called Ministry of State Security of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic informed that their military base was allegedly attacked by a kamikaze drone. The statement mentioned that the attack led to an explosion and fire at the military base. Nobody was killed or injured.
warned of provocation
The drone hit a helicopter, which was completely destroyed by fire. Photos of the damage were published by, among others, the Russian propaganda agency TASS and RIA Novosti.
"It has been established that the explosion was the result of a kamikaze drone attack, whose flight was recorded from the direction of the Clover Bridge" – informed the first Transnistrian television channel on its Telegram. The bridge is located in Odessa, which immediately blames Ukraine for the attack.
Moldova: attempt to cause fear and panic
The Moldovan Bureau for Reintegration informed that Chisinau considers the explosion in Transnistria an attempt to cause fear and panic in the region. Furthermore, the Moldovan authorities deny Ukraine's involvement in the incident.
The explosion was commented on by the representative of Ukrainian intelligence Andriy Yusufov, saying that the explosion is the result of Russian provocation.
The TSN channel published a recording of the attack.
Ukrainian intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine have repeatedly warned that Ukraine could be accused of provocations in connection with the situation in Transnistria.
asked Russia "for help"
At the end of February, Transnistria appealed to Russia for help due to the economic blockade from Moldova - such a resolution was passed by the so-called Congress of Deputies of All Levels.
"Deputies" from Transnistria claimed that Chisinau has started an "economic war", meaning the abolition of customs benefits, and is deliberately blocking negotiations with Tiraspol.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately responded to this action, stating that "Russia has no right to teach us about democracy".
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Moldovan government "is following in the footsteps of Kyiv", referring to the Kremlin's narrative of the persecution of the Russian-speaking population.
"Minister Lavrov and the Kremlin regime have no moral right to lecture about democracy and freedom. A country that imprisons and kills opposition politicians, unjustly attacks its neighbours, has nothing to offer the world but blood and pain"– stated the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Russian soldiers are stationed there
Transnistria - a separatist republic dominated by Russian-speaking population in the territory of Moldova - in the early 90s defied the authorities in Chisinau and, after a short war supported by Russian intervention, gained almost complete independence. It has its own president, army, security forces, tax offices, and currency.
No country, including Russia, has recognized Transnistria's independence, though the latter supports it economically and politically. About 1,500 Russian soldiers are stationed in Transnistria.
