Russia’s Defense Ministry denounced on Thursday that Kiev is preparing an armed, provocative action in the Moldovan separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian troops are deployed, and stressed that they are ready to respond in any situation.
“According to available information, the Kiev regime is preparing an armed provocation against the Moldavian Republic of Transnistria, which will be carried out by units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine”the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The Russian ministry pointed out that Ukraine “will use the mounting of an alleged offensive by Russian forces in Transnistria as an excuse for the invasion”.
“For this purpose, the Ukrainian saboteurs who will participate in the staged invasion will wear the uniforms of the Russian armed forces”the Russian ministry added, assuring that “it will closely monitor the situation on the border between Ukraine and Transnistria”.
In the statement, the same source says Russia is “ready to respond to any change in the situation”.
According to the Russian military entity, Kiev will involve members of the ultra-nationalist Azov battalion in this provocation.
Russian troops have been in Transnistria since 1992, following the ceasefire reached between the self-proclaimed Republic and Moldova.
After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, which turns one year old on Friday, the situation in Transnistria is tense, despite several isolated cases of sabotage against the institutions of the separatist authorities.
Source: DN
