Russian troops stationed in Transnistria violated several provisions of their status on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, including the improper use of drones during exercises held in late 2023, authorities in Chisinau have accused, while pro-Kremlin voices blame Chisinau’s increased pressure on Transnistria Study Institute of War (ISW) shows in its latest analysis that it assesses that these moves by Moscow are likely part of an information operation aimed at destabilizing the Republic of Moldova and justifying any future Russian escalation in the region.

Members of the Moldovan delegation to the Joint Monitoring Commission (JCM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) during the JCM meeting on January 18 demanded that the JMC conduct an investigation into the Russian troops in Transnistria for the use of small arms, drones and simulated weapons during exercises , which took place on December 22, 2023 and simulated the repulsion of a sabotage attack on an outpost of Russian troops in the security zone of Moldova.

Moldovan authorities have said that the presence and use of these weapons by Russian peacekeepers in the security zone violates protocols, and that Russian peacekeepers have not properly declared some of these weapons and drones as part of their arsenal.

• Read also: Republic of Moldova: Russian peacekeepers in Transnistria, Chisinau accuses of breach of commitments

Prominent Kremlin-linked Russian military blogger Rybar responded on January 21 that Moldovan authorities are putting increased pressure on the Russian-backed separatist republic of Transnistria, demanding the withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping forces and economic pressure. The blogger noted that the Moldovan government has imposed “double” taxes on Transnistrian companies in the amount of approximately $16 million for an indefinite period, which will lead to an increase in the cost of living in Transnistria.

Recent changes to the Moldovan Customs Code require Transnistrian companies to pay import customs duties to the Moldovan government, whereas previously Transnistrian firms only paid taxes to the Transnistrian government.

Rybar argues that this pressure supports the “forced reintegration” of Transnistria into the Republic of Moldova and that Russia should prepare for further escalation, also recalling recent accusations by Transnistrian President Vadym Krasnoselsky.

“The Kremlin-linked military blogger’s claims and Krasnoselsky’s indictment are likely part of an information operation aimed at destabilizing Moldova, which borders NATO-member Romania, and justifying any future Russian escalation in the region,” – summarizes the analysis by ISW, a think tank. in Washington, which publishes daily assessments of the war situation in Ukraine.

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