Russian Deputy Minister for abroad Affairs Mikhail Galuzin stated on 29 August that Moscow would respond "decisively and without delay" if the situation in Transnistria worsened. As a justification, he identified the protection of Russian citizens and "rods" in the separatist region of Moldova. This is simply a threat to the sovereignty of Chisinau and the safety of all east Europe.
Moscow announces an immediate reaction
Russian Deputy Minister for abroad Affairs Mikhail Galuzin announcedthat Russia is to warrant the protection of its citizens and those referred to by the Kremlin as "rods" in Transnistria. In the event of a deterioration, Moscow is to respond "strongly and without delay". He did not specify what actions Russia would consider escalation or what form it would take to respond.
This ambiguity is part of the political pressure. The Kremlin leaves itself a wide field of explanation and at the same time sends a informing to the Moldovan authorities. A State may not freely exercise its rights in its own territory if the abroad power reserves the anticipation to intervene on an indefinite basis.
Separatistic region as a tool of pressure
Transnistria is recognised by the global community as part of Moldova. The separatistic region on the left bank of the Dniestru maintained the actual distinctness after the 1992 war thanks to Russia's support. There are inactive Russian soldiers and ammunition stores in its area. Russia itself did not formally recognise the independency of this parastate.
Moldova has been demanding the withdrawal of Russian personnel and weapons for years. The Polish Institute of global Affairs recalls that Moscow failed to fulfil its work to evacuate forces and ammunition, adopted at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul in 1999. The Russian words about protecting residents are so in a place where Russia itself sustains a military and political problem.
Transnistria lavender mechanics between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union We have described more broadly in the economical analysis and political interests of the region. This is not a frozen conflict completely detached from the present. It lies at the border with Ukraine and can service Moscow to bind the attention of Chisinau, Kiev and NATO states to the east flank.
Russian doctrine under the coat of protection
The mention to citizens and "roders" is more crucial in Russian politics than consular concerns. The Kremlin uses this language to justify circumstantial rights towards areas belonging to another countries. In practice, it is an effort to set up a Russian passport across borders and the sovereignty of neighbours.
The safety of the people of Transnistria should be determined by peace solutions, human rights and an agreement respecting the integrity of Moldova. The threat of intervention perpetuates the region's dependence on Moscow. It does not give lasting safety to people surviving on both sides of the Dniester.
Rate for Poland
Poland is not bordering Moldova, but the effects of Russian influence zones policy concern us directly. all licence for conditional sovereignty of a smaller state strengthens the model that the Kremlin is trying to impose besides in Ukraine. Russia wants to be a justice of what's allowed by its neighbours, and a self-appointed guarantor of order, which itself destabilizes.
Warsaw should support the territorial integrity of Moldova, the resilience of its institutions and the peaceful reintegration of the region. Realism is needed, not Russian naivety. For Poles, the safety of the east flank is at stake and the rule that borders in Europe must not be changed by threats or military presence.
Sources: Kresy.pl, Polish Institute of global Affairs, Ministry of abroad Affairs of Moldova.
