The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces today warned of what it described as “preparations for imminent combat” by armed groups and Russian forces in Transnistria, a breakaway region of neighboring Moldova.
Forces stationed in that area are “fully prepared” for combat, according to a statement from the General Staff, published by the information portal Unian.
The Ukrainian authorities have warned for weeks of the possibility of extending the conflict towards the separatist pro-Russian region of Moldova.
Drone attacks [aparelhos aéreos não tripulados] Unidentified persons have been reported in Transnistria.
The situation in Transnistria began to become tense in late April, after a series of shootings and explosions in government buildings and infrastructure, which the separatist authorities say came from Ukrainian territory.
Kyiv claimed it was a “false flag” operation by Russia to blame Ukraine for the attacks, as well as preparations for an attack, while Russia described the incidents as an attempt to drag Ukraine into the armed conflict in Ukraine.
It is estimated that Russia was permanently stationed in Transnistria, with half a million inhabitants, a unit of about 1,500 soldiers.
Moldova has applied for membership in the European Union (EU), while Transnistria has requested recognition of its independence following this decision made by Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.
Transnistria, a territory with a population of more than half a million people, mostly Slavs, severed relations with Moldova after an armed conflict (1992-1993), during which it received assistance from Russia.
Under the Agreement for the Peaceful Resolution of the Conflict in Transnistria, signed in July 1992, Russia sent 2,400 soldiers to ensure peace in the region, but this number has decreased over the years.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and the military offensive has already killed more than 3,000 civilians, according to the United Nations, which warns that the real number is likely to be much higher.
The military offensive has caused more than 13 million people to flee, including more than 5.5 million outside the country, according to the latest United Nations data.
The international community in general condemned the Russian invasion, and responded by sending weapons to Ukraine and tightening economic and political sanctions on Moscow.
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