PM welcomes EU’s intention to demand Russia withdraw troops from Transnistrian region as part of possible peace deal in Ukraine

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu welcomes the European Union’s intention to demand that Russia withdraw its troops from the Transnistrian region as part of a possible peace agreement in Ukraine. The official emphasized that the initiative shows that “the Republic of Moldova is not excluded from the negotiation process, given that this is about regional and European security”.

The official underlined that the document concerns “several countries where Russian troops are stationed.”

“I was glad to see this statement. Previously, I met with the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, and we had a very good discussion. I am pleased that this position was adopted, as it shows that we are not excluded from the negotiation process. Indeed, this is about regional security, European security, and it is good that these areas are taken into account. As I understood, it is not only about the Transnistrian region, but also about several countries where Russian troops are present,” Munteanu said at a TV show.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the Transnistrian region is an integral part of the Republic of Moldova and that the authorities advocate for a peaceful reintegration.

“Reintegration is welcome. The Transnistrian region is an integral part of the Republic of Moldova. I feel sorry for our citizens who are now going through a very difficult winter. We want a solution. Still, as I have stated many times, both I and President Maia Sandu – the situation in the Transnistrian region is not the story of a secessionist area; it is the story of an occupied territory,” he noted.

The European Union intends to ask Russia to withdraw its troops from the Transnistrian region as part of a possible peace agreement in Ukraine. The issue appears in a consultative document distributed to member states by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.

The document, Europe’s Fundamental Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace and Security on the Continent also provides for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia, Armenia and Belarus.

The EU also intends to demand that Russia pay for the damages caused by the war, demilitarize the occupied territories in Ukraine, cease hybrid attacks on Europe, and abandon the legal recognition of the annexed territories.