Moldova: Transnistrian drills, energy crisis spark alarm
Military exercises conducted on Wednesday in the Transnistrian region by unrecognized Tiraspol structures and the Operational Group of Russian Forces (OGRF), illegally stationed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, constitute "a provocation and an attempt to divert attention from other very serious critical issues facing the left bank," states Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.
He anticipates an escalation of the energy crisis in the region as the autumn parliamentary elections draw near, alleging it is orchestrated by Moscow authorities.
"Any separatist regime poses a danger to any civilized state. It's not the first time they've flaunted the weaponry and officers the Russian Federation has provided and left them. This is a provocation and an attempt to divert attention from other very serious problems facing the left bank. The model by which this regime was built, financed, and supported by the Russian Federation has now reached a major impasse," Igor Grosu declared today, ahead of the Parliament's plenary session.
According to the official, the energy crisis on the left bank of the Nistru, stemming from reduced gas volumes to the region, is artificial and has been orchestrated by the Kremlin authorities to destabilize the situation in the Republic of Moldova ahead of the autumn parliamentary elections.
The state of emergency in the economy has been extended by another 30 days in the Transnistrian region due to the gas crisis.
"Let's not deny that there are indeed serious economic problems, specifically concerning the energy supply for the left bank. We have always provided support. I remind you that last winter, when Russia cut off gas, Chișinău, together with Brussels and our partners, found resources and swiftly came to the people's aid. We will continue to do this. The Kremlin's cynicism knows no bounds; we mustn't underestimate it or delude ourselves into thinking they've gained common sense. They might try to repeat such a crisis. While it won't be as severe as a winter crisis, when their preference is for people to be freezing, they will try to do something closer to the parliamentary elections. We must be vigilant," the Speaker emphasized.
Official says: New energy crisis in the Transnistrian region has been "orchestrated" by Russia, ahead of Moldova's elections.
Notably, the Tiraspol regime, supported by the OGRF, is preparing events for June 21, dedicated to a so-called reenactment of the Iași-Chișinău operation from World War II.
A rehearsal took place on Wednesday on the banks of the Nistru River, near Tiraspol, involving 16 units of military equipment, 13 artillery pieces, blank ammunition, and pyrotechnic materials.
Security expert Andrei Curăraru stated that "the war simulation in a region in crisis," featuring "smoke, uniforms, and blank ammunition," is reminiscent of "the little green man from 2014," Igor Ghirkin, the former commander of pro-Russian separatists in Donbas, who also staged "historical reenactments" in eastern Ukraine, a region later militarily attacked by the Russian Federation.
'Transnistria is in an economic crisis: it lacks gas and salaries, yet it has funds for tanks and military fireworks. And with parliamentary elections in Chișinău just 100 days away, one might ask: Is someone trying to set the scene? Is it merely military PR? Or is someone testing how much they can intimidate the Republic of Moldova with the roar of cannons?' These pressing questions were posed by the security expert amidst the ongoing events on the left bank of the Nistru.
The Bureau for Reintegration Policies condemned on Wednesday the unilateral military actions conducted in the Transnistrian region, labeling them a "flagrant defiance" of the special regime established for the Security Zone and "provocations" that jeopardize regional stability and security.
The Delegation of the Republic of Moldova to the Joint Control Commission urged strict adherence to the commitments assumed under the July 21, 1992 Agreement on the principles of peaceful settlement of the armed conflict in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
