A long-frozen conflict may resurface in unexpected negotiations, as regional security questions expand beyond Ukraine and draw in unresolved territorial tensions.
The withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria could become part of broader negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine with the participation of the European Union. This was stated by Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Pro TV Chișinău.
According to her, the issue of Transnistria remains an integral part of Moldova’s agenda, particularly in the context of European integration. She emphasized that the region is considered part of the country, and decisions regarding EU accession are made in Brussels, not in Moscow.
In the event of possible negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, the EU may also take into account the Transnistrian issue, including the peaceful withdrawal of Russian troops from the region
– Maia Sandu
The president stressed that the issue of the illegal presence of Russian troops is constantly raised both by official Chișinău and by European partners. According to her, Moldova is counting on joint efforts to resolve this situation.
We hope that together we will be able to solve this problem
– Maia Sandu
The issue of detentions on the left bank of the Dniester
Maia Sandu also drew special attention to cases of Moldovan citizens being detained in Transnistria. This concerns people held without legal grounds. According to her, the authorities are trying to resolve such situations through dialogue between Chișinău and Tiraspol with the participation of the OSCE.
Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we do not. At the moment there are several people whose release we have not been able to secure, but the government will continue to make efforts
– Maia Sandu
Context of international negotiations
The issue of withdrawing Russian troops from Transnistria has already been raised at the government level. In February 2025, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that changes in the international situation could create conditions for such a step within negotiations on Ukraine and a new security system in Europe.
Earlier, in January 2025, Maia Sandu also noted that Moldova is ready to provide financial support to Transnistria after the withdrawal of Russian troops. She suggested the possibility of replacing the military mission with a civilian one under the auspices of the UN or the European Union.
Thus, the issue of Transnistria is increasingly being viewed not only as an internal problem of Moldova, but also as part of a broader European security policy related to the war in Ukraine and the future of the region.