"Assessing the Threat: Transnistria's Impact on Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia"

Transnistria, the breakaway republic of Moldova, recently asked Russia for "protection," raising concerns of potential Russian military intervention and posing a threat to Ukraine and Moldova. The region's economic dependence on Moscow and its upcoming elections have experts worried that Russia could use it to increase the threat to Kyiv and Chisinau. The situation in Transnistria is seen as a potential tool for Russia to disrupt Moldova's upcoming referendum on EU membership and presidential elections, with implications for regional stability and Ukrainian security.