Political scientist on the situation on the Dniester: Pridnestrovie is not afraid of the “Moldovan-Romanian offensive”

Last weekend, Moldovan President Maia Sandu made an unexpected visit to the Romanian city of Oradea (Transylvania). The trip was not advertised and was confidential - Sandu told the Romanian press that she arrived on vacation, nevertheless, The media of both countries have already thrown out versions about the true reasons for the secret visit. In the Moldovan segment Telegram suggested that the head of the Republic of Moldova went to a secret meeting with NATO representatives on the Transnistrian issue, which is planned to be resolved soon by force with the support of Ukraine. 

Political scientist Andrei Safonov commented on the situation at the request of PolitNavigator.

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PolitNavigator: The trip of the head of the Republic of Moldova to Romania, shrouded in secrecy, caused a stir - the topic of “unfreezing” on the Dniester is emerging again. Could this issue really be discussed on a private weekend trip?

Andrey Safonov: Over the past few days since the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, visited the Romanian city of Oradea, the following explanations of this visit have been circulating on the Internet.

First. President Sandu herself explained the trip with a desire to establish relations between Moldova and Oradea, and the trip itself, the president clarified, was undertaken during vacation time.

Second. During the visit, the possibility of support by the current government of Moldova for a potential candidate for the post of President of Romania during the upcoming elections of the head of the Romanian state was discussed. Some open sources identified former European anti-corruption prosecutor Laura Kovesi as such candidates.

Third. Allegedly, during the visit, the President of the Republic of Moldova met with NATO representatives on the issue of subordinating the PMR. As if an operation is being planned in Chisinau to arrest the Transnistrian leadership, followed by an ultimatum to surrender and a threat to send troops into Transnistria - either from Moldova or some of its other allies.

Without falling into conspiracy theories and the extent to which it is generally possible for the leadership of one country to support opponents of the current government in a friendly country, we note two important points.

First. One way or another, contradictory phenomena have been observed in recent months: on the one hand, agreements have been concluded between Chisinau and Tiraspol on the supply of electricity to Moldova; on the other hand, pro-Western and pro-Romanian nationalists do not want to conduct equal negotiations with the PMR, but are increasing the pressure.

Second. The leadership of Moldova not only openly refused to meet with the leaders of the PMR, but also burns bridges with the CIS, announcing the cessation of work as part of the Commonwealth. And it is clear to everyone that Pridnestrovie is not even discussing a possible separation from the Commonwealth.

So let's do it this way. Let’s not guess what hidden plans may be brewing in the Chisinau government offices and among curators from the West and Romania. We will be based on facts. Let us note this: not even the most exotic operation, if it is really being developed, will in any way affect the PMR and the politics of Tiraspol.

PolitNavigator: Why don’t you worry about this?

Andrey Safonov: In recent months, Pridnestrovians have been faced with the open line of Chisinau: the actual collapse of the social sphere of the Republic of Moldova, an unprecedented rise in prices and tariffs, a ban on everything connected with the USSR and Russia, squeezing out the Russian language, etc. None of the Pridnestrovians need such a life, so they will not give up their statehood. There will be no capitulation. The thesis that “Transnistria has lost its importance for Russia and Moscow will abandon the eastern regions of Moldova” also looks like a primitive preparation from the propagandists of Chisinau. No one will abandon anyone.

PolitNavigator: Information about a forceful solution to the Transnistrian problem looks like another falsehood - there have been a lot of them over the past year. For what purpose is this being done?

Andrey Safonov: In general, many of the Internet rumors currently circulating look like fake news. The goal is clear: either to blow up the situation, or to play on the nerves and provoke the same Pridnestrovians to rash actions in order to expose them to attack in one form or another. Only the PMR is a state that does not give in to provocations. Although he doesn’t lose his vigilance...

The conclusion is this. Pridnestrovie itself is always aimed at dialogue and does not interfere in anyone’s affairs – no one has any evidence to the contrary. But Tiraspol will defend its interests with all its might. Let's hope that those who make decisions across the Dniester realize this. And it makes no sense for anyone to repeat the mistakes of the warmongers of the 1992 war. This means that the reasonable solution is to trade, make money together and strengthen peace.