"Transnistria Appeals to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions with Moldova"

Pro-Russian officials in Transnistria have appealed to Russia for "protection" against increased pressure from Moldova, following fears of escalating tensions over the territory. The region's special congress passed a resolution calling on Russia to implement measures to safeguard Transnistria, citing a deepening row over customs duties and accusing Moldova of waging an "economic war." Moscow expressed the importance of protecting Transnistria's residents, while Moldova rejected the appeal as propaganda. Transnistria, a mainly Russian-speaking breakaway region, unilaterally separated from Moldova after the Soviet Union's collapse, and its pro-Russian leadership accuses both Moldova and Ukraine of hostile intentions.