State security services in Moldova's Russia-backed breakaway region of Transnistria reported that a drone attacked a military unit near the Ukraine border, resulting in minor damage to a radar station but no casualties. The incident took incidents in the region of Rabnita, approximately 4 miles from the Ukraine border. A criminal investigation has been initiated, although the perpetrators remain unidentified.
Moldova's Bureau for Reintegration Policies characterized the attack as part of a series of provocations in Transnistria aimed at creating panic and tension in the region. Moldova, a candidate for European Union membership, has accused Russia of engaging in a 'hybrid war' against the country, including interference in local elections and dissemination of disinformation to disrupt its EU membership aspirations. Russia has refuted these allegations.
Recent tensions escalated when an empty helicopter at a military installation in Transnistria was destroyed, with authorities attributing the incident to a Ukrainian drone strike. Moldovan officials, however, suggested that the explosion was staged to exacerbate hostilities.
While not directly implicating Russia, Moldova warned of potential future actions by the Russian Federation in Transnistria. The breakaway region declared independence from Moldova following a conflict in the early 1990s and has since become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, given its location between Moldova and Ukraine and its Russian military presence.
Despite lacking recognition from any U.N. member states, including Russia, Transnistria's alignment with the Kremlin has heightened concerns, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The region made headlines earlier this year when authorities sought Moscow's 'protection' against alleged pressure from Moldova, stopping short of requesting annexation.
