Transnistria: is sliver of land between Moldova and Ukraine next flashpoint?
- Fears that Moldova could be sucked into the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine are mounting
- Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria reported a series of explosions this week
The Russian-uniformed border guard holds out his hand and the truck driver hands over his passport and other documents – a routine and otherwise unremarkable transaction. Except that it’s happening hundreds of kilometres from Russia.
Instead, it’s taking place within the tiny European country of Moldova, at the border of the Russia-aligned territory known as Transnistria, which is home to an estimated 20,000 tons of Soviet-era weapons, ammunition and explosives, and more than 1,000 Russian troops.
“It’s the reality we’re seeing, the surreal reality. That’s what really worries a lot of people,” said Olena Khorenjenko, 33, a Ukrainian refugee who fled to Moldova and is familiar with Transnistria. “These are our neighbours – not some faraway people.”
Transnistria is awash with Soviet symbols. Its flag is emblazoned with a hammer and sickle, a huge statue of Lenin looms over the centre of its main city Tiraspol and a bust of the Bolshevik leader sits outside the town hall, or House of Soviets.
Transnistria gets its name from being on the east side of the Dniester River, and it occupies a long, narrow slice of land alongside Ukraine.
On Monday night, explosions struck the headquarters of Transnistria security forces, who are paid by Russia. More explosions Tuesday destroyed transmission towers used for Russian broadcasts. Moldovan officials said the Monday explosions were caused by grenade launchers.