© Sputnik/Vadim Savitskii/Russian Defence Ministry
Russian peacekeepers' checkpoint in the city of Bendery, Moldova
While the world's eyes are on Ukraine,
Transnistria is facing an explosive situation. De facto self-governing since the Soviet collapse, the small territory, which borders Ukraine, is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.
A series of explosions shook the capital, Tiraspol, at the end of April, and shots have been heard near the border with its war-torn neighbor.
Several key military and infrastructure buildings were hit - the Ministry of State Security, a TV and radio center, as well as the largest ammunition warehouse in Eastern Europe. The Transnistria issue has simmered on the fringes of global politics since the original fighting was settled on July 21, 1992, and a ceasefire was signed.
Now, 30 years later,
this 'frozen conflict' is challenging European security once again. RT explains who could benefit from an escalation in Transnistria and how developments in the region will be affected by Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.
Explosive situation
The breakaway
Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) was one of the first regions to go on high alert after the Russian operation began in February. The majority of its residents take
a pro-Moscow stance, and since the beginning of the 1990s,
Transnistria has severed ties with Moldova and has relied on the Kremlin's support. Geographically, however, the PMR is close to the southwest of Ukraine, bordering Odessa and Vinnitsa.
Comment: And just a few weeks ago: UK female Labour MP accused of lying about 'desperate, perverted smears', another MP quits after watching porn in Parliament