Unrecognized Transnistria asks the Kremlin for help

The self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria has asked Russia for help, citing an alleged economic blockade by Moldova, according to the local TV channel TVS Pridnestrovie.

The document prepared by the MPs also says that there are more than 220,000 Russian citizens in the region.

«We have decided to appeal to the Federation Council and the State Duma of Russia with a request to take measures aimed at protecting Transnistria while Moldova puts more pressure on the region. There are more than 220,000 Russian citizens in Transnistria, while Russia has unique experience with peacekeeping on the Dniester River and possesses the status of guarantor of regional security and mediator in the negotiation process,» MPs said in the resolution.

MPs have also appealed to the secretary-general of the UN, asking him to take into account the «birthrights of the people of Transnistria» guaranteed by «international law.»

«You have to pull the plug on violation of the rights and freedoms of the people of Transnistria by Moldova and prevent provocations that can lead to escalation of the conflict,» the MPs said.

In turn, the Russian media confirmed that the State Duma and the Federation Council had received the appeal for help.

The context. The so-called Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic declared its independence from Moldova in 1992. No one member state of the UN including Kazakhstan recognizes the self-proclaimed country as an independent state.

Moldova considers this region as a territory occupied by Russia, although the two states do not share the border.