The self-proclaimed authorities from the left bank do not want the withdrawal of Russian troops from the left bank of the Dniester until the Transnistrian dispute is resolved, according to newsmaker.md. The statement was made by the deputy head of the institution responsible for the region’s “foreign relations”, Alexandr Stetciuk, on the Russian TV show “Между тем” on “Звезда”.
“Such demands have absolutely no basis. The Operational Group of Russian Forces is in Transnistria on absolutely legal and legitimate grounds and represents an integral part of the existing peacekeeping mechanism.“
Until the final and comprehensive resolution of the Moldovan-Transnistrian conflict, with the assurance of the corresponding rights and interests of the Transnistrians, there can be no talk of troop withdrawal or cessation of peacekeeping operations,” declared Alexandr Stețiuk.
On May 8, during a visit to Chisinau, European diplomacy leader Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union could begin discussions with Moscow regarding the end of the war in Ukraine, and during the negotiations, Brussels could request the withdrawal of Russian troops from the separatist region of Moldova.
In the Transnistrian region, the Joint Peacekeeping Forces are operational. Also, there is illegally present the so-called 14th army, officially named the Russian Troop Operational Group (GOTR), which would constitute over 1000 soldiers.