Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has stated that Russia could withdraw its troops from Transnistria as part of negotiations concerning Ukraine and European security.
Recean’s remarks reflect Moldova’s growing push to ensure that the issue of Russian military presence on its territory is addressed in broader diplomatic discussions.
According to reports from Jurnal TV, Recean was asked what conditions would be necessary for the withdrawal of Russian forces, which remain stationed in Moldova in violation of its sovereignty.
“There is an international context now that could lead to Russia withdrawing its troops from the left bank of the Dniester within this negotiation process. It may not necessarily be in the context of a peace negotiation process—this is difficult to envision in the near future—but rather as part of negotiations concerning Ukraine and the new security architecture of the European Union. Here, in this context, there is such an opportunity and a chance. The Republic of Moldova will insist on putting this issue on the negotiation table. Any negotiations that now concern peace or a ceasefire in Ukraine fundamentally involve the new security architecture of Europe,” Recean stated in the Jurnal TV programme Cabinetul din Umbră.
A Long-standing Source of Tension
The presence of Russian troops in Transnistria has been a point of contention for over three decades. Moscow maintains a contingent of military personnel in the breakaway region under the pretext of peacekeeping and safeguarding Soviet-era ammunition depots. However, the Moldovan government, along with the international community, considers this deployment a violation of Moldova’s sovereignty and a source of regional instability.
Despite repeated calls from Chisinau and various international organisations, Russia has refused to withdraw its forces. The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has reshaped security concerns across Eastern Europe.
Moldova has aligned itself more closely with the European Union in recent years, seeking EU membership and distancing itself from Russian influence. The country’s leadership has consistently reiterated its position that the presence of Russian troops in Transnistria is illegal and must be resolved within a broader European security framework.
Linking Transnistria to Ukraine Talks
The war in Ukraine has reignited discussions about European security, and Moldova appears determined to ensure that the issue of Transnistria is addressed within these broader negotiations. Recean’s comments suggest that Chisinau sees an opportunity to leverage the ongoing diplomatic processes concerning Ukraine to press for the withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory.
He also addressed criticism from the pro-Russian opposition regarding the closure of the Russian Cultural Centre in Chisinau. Recean dismissed concerns, stating, “It was not a cultural centre but a hub for agents of influence. To those who complain, we say that Moldova has nothing against Russian culture or the Russian language. Russia must respect Moldovans and not send its agents of influence disguised as cultural figures.”
Additionally, in light of increasing violations of Moldova’s airspace by Russia, Recean was asked whether the government intended to expel the Russian ambassador. He responded, “Today we took a very important step, which, I admit, should have been taken earlier. We will continue to take the necessary measures to protect the interests of our country.”
It remains unclear how receptive Moscow would be to such demands. Russia has historically resisted calls to remove its troops from Transnistria, citing its role in maintaining regional stability. However, the shifting geopolitical landscape and Russia’s strained military resources due to the war in Ukraine could alter the dynamics of this long-standing dispute.
Read also:
Moldova Outlines Path to Transnistrian Reintegration: Russian Troop Withdrawal Key