Moldova denies Russian intelligence claims of military action in Transnistria

The administration of Moldovan President Maia Sandu has rejected as false the claims made by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service about an alleged military operation to seize the breakaway region of Transnistria.

In a statement shared on Telegram, Adrian Băluțel, head of Moldovan President's cabinet, condemned the report as "serious and dangerous disinformation," Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

He stressed that the Moldovan authorities have no intentions of launching military action in Transnistria, describing the report as an effort to "sow panic and distrust."

Băluțel reiterated Chisinau's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, asserting that "the government remains firmly committed to finding a peaceful solution, without exception." He also emphasized the Moldovan leadership's stance on the issue of foreign military presence, stating that an essential step toward resolving the conflict would be the "complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops illegally deployed on the sovereign territory of Moldova."

Addressing the ongoing energy crisis in the country, Băluțel pointed the blame at Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom for its failure to fulfill contractual obligations, which has exacerbated the situation in Moldova. He clarified that the energy problems were not the result of actions by the Moldovan government, which is actively seeking solutions to support citizens affected by the crisis, irrespective of their region.

Earlier, Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia has issued a report suggesting that Moldovan President Maia Sandu is preparing a military operation in Transnistria.

According to the Service's statement, there are concerns that Sandu may attempt to instigate a conflict in the region.

“The Moldovan leader recently convened a meeting with the country's government officials to discuss energy security. At the conclusion of the meeting, Sandu reportedly stated the necessity of formulating a military plan aimed at establishing control over Transnistria and removing the Russian peacekeeping forces deployed there,” the statement notes.

The Foreign Intelligence Service further emphasized that there can be no certainty that Sandu will not seek to ignite a full-scale war in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva