Paris suspects the Kremlin of extending its tentacles beyond Ukraine.
Russia is “very likely” behind the “destabilization attempts” in Moldova, where pro-Russian separatists from the Transnistria region have requested help from Moscow, French diplomacy said on Thursday.
“Moldova is facing increasingly aggressive destabilization attempts, most likely led by Russia,” declared the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assuring that “the call for so-called protection by Moscow of separatists devoid of any autonomy is a known scenario.”
“Faced with this resurgence of aggressiveness from Russia, a collective start is necessary”, he further commented, referring to “outrageous” declarations from Russia against France “again this week”, “witness to its feverishness in the face of European partners determined to do everything to defeat Russia” in Ukraine.
Transnistria asks Moscow for “protective measures”
The authorities of Transnistria asked Russia on Wednesday for “protective measures” in the face of the “increased pressure” that they say Moldova is exerting, against a backdrop of tensions exacerbated by the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
Russian diplomacy quickly responded, ensuring that it had as a “priority” the “protection” of the inhabitants of Transnistria and adding that Moscow would “carefully examine” Tiraspol’s request, without giving further details.
“The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders,” a State Department spokesperson responded on Wednesday.