Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on Friday rejected Moscow’s accusation that the Kyiv army was preparing an operation in Transnistria and said that, unlike Russia, Ukraine respects the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the neighboring country, and the authorities of the Republic of Moldova know this. .

Volodymyr ZelenskyiPhoto: Vladimir Sindeyeve/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

During a marathon press conference that lasted several hours, Zelensky was asked whether it was possible for Russia to invade another country with journalists from around the world, News.ro reports.

“Unfortunately, yes,” he replied. “I think it is possible and it can happen. President Putin must demonstrate successes and victories. They will not exist on the battlefield in Ukraine and will not be able to take revenge in Ukraine. Instead, he can achieve success in weak places, and these would be countries that were under the influence of Moscow before the war or during the Soviet period,” answered Zelensky, who in this context gave the example of Moldova and talked about the revealed plan of the Ukrainian services, which provided for the state a coup in Chisinau, a plan he also told EU leaders he met in Brussels earlier this month.

He said he passed the information on to President Maia Sandu, which later turned out to be true. At the same time, Zelensky noted that he received new information even after the Brussels moment.

The Ukrainian leader said that this is a “bad situation” and what Russia is doing now is constant provocation. He also gave the example of missiles that would fly through Romanian airspace.

“I think it’s important to stop these attempts with more weapons, more sanctions, appropriate steps,” he added.

“The accusations show that it was Russia that was preparing the operation under a false flag”

About the Friday press release of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zelensky said that Russia knows that it can reach Chisinau only through Transnistria, and therefore counts on this challenge. “But the Chisinau authorities know that we respect the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova,” Zelensky added, thus denying Moscow’s theory, which accused Ukraine of withdrawing its personnel and military equipment near the border with the Republic of Moldova, that it would deploy artillery on firing positions and will launch drones over the territory of Transnistria before the alleged “invasion”.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday warned the United States, NATO members and Ukraine “not to take another adventurous step” in Transnistria, believing that any threat to the safety of Russian soldiers and ammunition in the separatist territory of the Republic of Moldova will be considered ” attack on the Russian Federation”, and its armed forces will respond “appropriately”.

Zelensky says that such accusations indicate that it is Russia that will prepare the operation under a false flag.

According to CNN, a spokesman for the State Border Service of Ukraine responded to Russia’s comments on Friday, saying that the Ukrainian army and National Guard have taken “enhanced measures on the border with Transnistria,” but only “to prevent any provocations from others.” side.” part”.

Read also:

  • MFA in Chisinau after Moscow’s warning regarding Transnistria: “Provocative statements”
  • Romania’s reaction to Moscow’s threats to Transnistria: “This attempt to artificially create tension and destabilization in the region is unacceptable”

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