Main points
- There is a certain contingent of Russian troops in Transnistria, which conducts regular exercises.
- Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, suggested that there is a threat of provocations from Transnistria.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russians attempted to create a “corridor” through the Odessa region for future offensive operations towards Transnistria. Moscow has likely not abandoned these plans, as it has recently been carrying out constant shelling of the Odessa region, in particular Zatoka.
Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesman for the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, told Channel 24 whether such a threat exists. He explained what actions the military contingent stationed in Transnistria is currently taking.
How many Russian soldiers are in Transnistria?
Voloshin emphasized that there are up to 2,000 Russian servicemen in the enclave and approximately 9,000 more security forces and those who sympathize with the Russians.
“In addition, there is a 1411 artillery ammunition depot in the village of Kovbasna. There is also a fairly decent airfield in Tiraspol, which can be used for military purposes. Therefore, in order to carry out certain provocative actions, there are more than enough forces there,” the spokesman for the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine noted.
Please note! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga noted that Kyiv is ready to cooperate with Moldova on the de-occupation of Transnistria, which may take place in the future. He noted that the Russian military, which is located in Transnistria, poses a serious threat not only to Moldova, but also to Ukraine and the entire region.
In order to conduct serious operations, they, according to him, do not have enough weapons or personnel.
The most important thing is what they are doing now – they are guarding the warehouse in Kovbasna, the airfield, and almost every week they conduct certain combat training activities there – training and anti-terrorist exercises against the penetration of Ukrainian sabotage groups, anti-drone exercises. As well as map games like command and staff exercises,
– noted Vladyslav Voloshyn.
He added that the Russian military in Transnistria is keeping itself in good shape. Therefore, the threat from there should not be underestimated. Ukraine is always ready for this and remembers that there is an enemy behind it.
What is happening around Transnistria?
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Russia continues to throw provocative information into the infofield regarding Transnistria, which is happening, according to Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army “South”, against the backdrop of powerful shelling of the Odessa region.
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He suggested that certain provocations are possible, because “the FSB branch in Tiraspol is not sleeping.” However, all they are capable of is to throw the DRG, threaten the local population near the border. However, then, according to Bratchuk, “there will be an adequate and tough response from the Defense Forces.”
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that Moldova has taken a course towards “absorption by the European Union” and “reunification or accession to Romania,” which would be the shortest path to EU membership. However, according to Lavrov, this course “destroys Moldovan statehood.”
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Bratchuk stressed that Russia's strategic goal is to keep the region in its zone of influence. It also considers Transnistria a trump card with which it can threaten. However, in his opinion, Moldova is learning to adequately respond to challenges and risks from Transnistria.