Breakaway Region of Moldova Appeals to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions

Officials in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria have appealed to Russia for protection amid escalating tensions with the pro-Western government in Moldova, which recently imposed new customs duties on imports and exports from the region. Transnistrian officials also appealed to the European Parliament and the International Committee of the Red Cross to prevent what they describe as pressure from Moldova violating the rights of local residents. Tensions have mounted after speculation about a possible bid by Transnistria to join Russia, with Moldova's government dismissing the claims as propaganda. Moldova, a candidate for EU membership, has accused Russia of conducting campaigns to destabilize the country since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.