Why Russia Would Want To Capture Land Leading To Moldova’s Transnistria

The goal of extending Russian-controlled territory to a tiny, pro-Kremlin state in eastern Moldova threatens to bring a new chapter of fighting in Ukraine, potentially bringing a drawn-out conflict for hundreds of miles of land.

The Russian army has been tasked with establishing full control over the Donbas and southern Ukraine, according to Major General Rustam Minnekayev.

Russia would need to make huge gains in the south to reach Transnistria, where troops have been bogged down for weeks after the start of the invasion.

Transnistria is an area of land located along the eastern border of Moldova and Ukraine.

Transnistria has declared independence but has largely avoided the violence that has plagued eastern Ukraine since two states declared independence there.

There are believed to be about 1,500 Russian troops stationed in Transnistria, along with thousands of Transnistrian troops who are loyal to the state that broke away.

PLAY Forbes Business Full Screen About Connatix Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More 1/1 Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Visit Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE

It is not known if the comments Friday were approved by the Kremlin.

What To Watch For

The third-largest city in the country is Odessa. Catherine the Great founded the city in the 17th century, making it significant for both Ukrainians and Russians. It is less than 50 miles from Transnistria.

The policy of neutrality between Russia and NATO has not been changed despite the condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Big Number

More than 420,000. According to the United Nations, there have been over a thousand Ukrainians who have fled to Moldova since the Russian invasion began.

Key Background

Russian forces retreated from northern Ukraine earlier this month. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed he would not relent on the war effort and instead focus his forces on eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russians have controlled much more land than they ever did in the north of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Russia had started its new offensive in eastern Ukraine, which has included bombardment of the second largest city in the country.

Tangent

The Council of Europe declared Transnistria to be occupied last month, after previously calling it under the control of the Russian Federation.

Russia plans to seize southern Ukraine.

With war next door,Moldova faces a dilemma as Eastern Europe's most vulnerable state.

The U.K. Defense Ministry says that the Russian forces are fully withdrawn.