(ANSA) - MOSCOW, MARCH 28 - Russia is "responsible" for its citizens in Transnistria, which it estimates number around 250,000.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said so in an interview with the Tass agency.
The head of Moscow's diplomacy added that the mandate of the contingent of Russian peacekeepers in this self-proclaimed independent territory located on the territory of Moldova on the border with Ukraine remains fully valid.
"There are around 250,000 Russian citizens living in Transnistria, I think. Of course - Lavrov said - we are responsible for them".
"First of all - he added - there is our contingent of peacekeepers who protect the gigantic ammunition depot in Kolbasna. We have a mandate that was negotiated with all the parties at the time and it is our belief that this mandate remains fully relevant".
(HANDLE).