President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia’s decision to simplify citizenship procedures for residents of Transnistria is an attempt by Moscow to strengthen its influence in the region. According to him, Ukraine has already begun consultations with Moldova on a joint response.
In his address, Zelenskyy said that Russia’s move regarding Transnistria means not only a search for new soldiers, since Russian citizenship implies military obligations.
“It is also Russia marking the territory of Transnistria as supposedly its own,” the president said.
According to Zelenskyy, Moscow often claims that it is interested only in Donbas, but in reality Russia’s ambitions extend much further.
The president also stressed that the presence of Russian military forces and intelligence services in Transnistria is a challenge for Ukraine.
“We are interested in a stable and strong Moldova,” he emphasized.
Zelenskyy said he had instructed Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry to coordinate with the Moldovan side on a joint assessment of the situation and possible joint actions.
In addition, the president said he expects proposals from Ukrainian intelligence and security services regarding possible responses to Russia’s actions.
“Russia should think more about its own oil refineries and oil terminals, not about the citizens of other states and the lands of other nations,” Zelenskyy added.
