The Russian-controlled separatist region of Moldova will not be asked to join Russia, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, The Kyiv Independent reported.

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR)Photo: Handout / AFP / Profimedia

The concern comes after the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned in a February 22 assessment that Transnistria may be planning to hold a referendum on its annexation by Russia at the announced Transnistrian Congress of Deputies scheduled for February 28.

“No one will join the Russian Federation on the 28th,” Budanov said, adding that there will be no problems for Ukraine, which borders Transnistria.

On Thursday, officials from Chisinau also warned Tiraspol of consequences “in case of ill-advised steps”, after information according to which Transnistria may request to join the Russian Federation, as part of a congress of “authorities at all levels” convened for 28 February.