Moldova demands Russian troop withdrawal from Transnistria

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The constitutional authorities consider the Russian troop presence a grave violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The withdrawal of troops has also been urged by the international community, which has recognized the Transnistrian region as part of the Republic of Moldova. However, Russia continues to prop up the separatist regime in the region with military and economic support, while characterizing its troop presence as a "peacekeeping operation."

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The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 calling for the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova, supported by 64 member states. Moldova's then Foreign Minister, Tudor Ulianovschi, underscored the incompatibility of the presence of Russian troops with the country's neutrality.

The withdrawal of Russian troops was also demanded in 2020 by President Maia Sandu. The head of state stated that the peacekeeping mission should be replaced by a civilian one, under an international mandate. In response, Russia stated that its presence is a guarantee for maintaining peace in the region.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, requests from Moldovan authorities for the withdrawal of Russian troops have become more insistent. Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu has reiterated this request at international meetings, while Prime Minister Dorin Recean has called for the demilitarization of the Transnistrian region.

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In 2024, MEPs adopted a resolution warning against Russia's constant attempts to derail Moldova's European path. The EP [European Parliament] called on Russia to respect Moldova's independence, cease destabilization, and withdraw its military forces from the country's territory.

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