Putin plans to annex breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria

02/27/2024 / By Richard Brown

Fears are escalating that Russian President Vladimir Putin might annex the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria and declare it an integral part of the Russian Federation.

Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, an unrecognized nation of around 400,000 people in the eastern fringe of Moldova, broke away from the state in 1990. The majority Russian-speaking nation’s government has reportedly appealed to Putin for integration into the Russian Federation.

The unrecognized nation already has a Russian “peacekeeping” garrison of around 2,000 troops, which is supported by an uncertain number of additional paramilitary units, and are reportedly prepared for action against Ukraine.

Putin is scheduled to deliver a major speech to the Russian Federal Assembly, sparking speculation and apprehension that he may use his speech to signal his approval for an annexation plan.

To support this, a congress of local politicians in Transnistria are set to formally appeal for integration with Russia before his speech.

Transnistria’s potential annexation by Russia is viewed as a strategic move, as Putin could use the breakaway nation to destabilize the heavily pro-Ukrainian and pro-European Moldova, as well as to use the nation as a launching pad for attacks on the major Ukrainian port city of Odesa.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has already warned of a possible coup d’etat, citing Russia’s plans for her country and Transnistria.

Ukrainian intelligence have officially commented that the intelligence concerning Russia’s alleged plans for Transnistria are “unconfirmed.” But it has stated that it is closely monitoring developments in the area.

Putin allegedly planning to destabilize Moldova, support pro-Russian organizations

To support Russia’s annexation plan, the Kremlin is allegedly planning to use the Federal Security Service (FSB) to destabilize Moldova to prevent it from intervening in the event of an annexation. This plan involves leveraging the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church and using threats such as the prospect of cutting Moldova off from natural gas supplies. (Related: Germany suffers irreversible damage without Russian gas – aftermath of Nord Stream destruction by the U.S.)

The immediate goals of this destabilization plan involve backing political forces in Moldova favorable to Russia and preventing the removal of Russian troops in Transnistria.

Medium-term objectives focus on opposing proposals for Moldova to join the European Union, to further cooperate with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and to prevent Romania – which shares strong cultural ties with Moldova – from uniting with the nation.

Long-term goals include turning Moldova into a stable, pro-Russian nation and fostering negative attitudes toward the EU and the West.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has also said in a recent statement that it will “not leave its citizens living in Transnistria in trouble,” which analysts have warned is laying the groundwork for a pretext to annex Transnistria under the guise of protecting the nation’s Russian citizens.

In a statement, Transnistrian opposition figure, civic activist and former political prisoner Gennady Ciorba likened Putin to Nazi German leader Adolf Hitler. “Attempts to appease people like Putin lead to only one thing: The growing appetite of the aggressor,” claimed Ciorba.

Watch this video discussing how the Russian Army may be preparing a breakthrough from Transnistria to capture the southwestern city of Odesa.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.