Moldova dismisses breakaway region’s call for Russian help - report

"We reject the propagandistic statements coming from Tiraspol, reminding that the Transnistrian region benefits from the policies of peace, security and economic integration with the European Union, advantageous for all citizens, regardless of whether they come from the left or right bank of the Dniester river," Moldovan media platform Agora quoted deputy prime minister Oleg Serebrian as saying on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a so-called congress of deputies from the pro-Russian region adopted a resolution asking Russian parliament for protection against what they claimed was escalating pressures from Moldova, alleging that the country has launched an "economic war" that resulted in a budget deficit of millions of dollars for Tiraspol, Romanian broadcaster Digi24 reported.

Moldovan president Maia Sandu said her country remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, “making small steps for the economic reintegration of the country,” Radio Free Europe Romania reported on Wednesday.

Commenting on the request by Transnistrian officials, Russia’s foreign ministry told Russian news agency TASS that the protection of the interests of the Transnistrian people is among its priorities, adding that the request will be reviewed carefully.

The United States “firmly supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders,” encouraging collaboration between Chisinau and Tiraspol to address the concerns of communities on both sides of the Dniester river, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Wednesday at a press briefing in Washington.

"[...] given Russia’s increasingly aggressive and destabilizing role in Europe, we are watching Russia’s actions in Transnistria and the broader situation there very closely," Miller added.

Moldova's government has positioned the country on a pro-European trajectory, with the EU agreeing in 2023 to open accession talks.