President provides details on Transnistria reintegration plan

Chișinău, October 1 /MOLDPRES/ – The reintegration process of the Republic of Moldova primarily involves the withdrawal of Russian troops from the country's territory, as well as significant economic costs to ensure the integration of the Transnistrian region in all sectors. President Maia Sandu made the statement at Moldova 1 TV channel show.

The head of state emphasized that the authorities have a reintegration plan, developed in 2023, which includes phased measures in the banking, social, and economic fields.


“The Russian army must leave peacefully. The most complicated issue now is how to get rid of the Russian troops, and after that, step by step, reintegration should occur. We need to make people understand that it is in their best interest for this process to happen. The living standards on the right bank are already better, and we can offer them a better life than what is happening under that regime,” Maia Sandu said.


The president mentioned that, to cover the reintegration costs, Chișinău is in discussions with international partners.


“The budget of the Republic of Moldova cannot handle these expenses alone. Substantial support is needed, and we have begun discussions with our partners, even though the subject has not advanced much due to the presence of Russian troops,” the head of state remarked, adding that developments in peace talks in Ukraine could also create opportunities for the Transnistrian issue.


Currently, the Transnistrian region's economy faces one of the most severe crises in recent decades. Following reduced financial support from Russia and restrictions on gas supplies, industrial production has dropped by over 40%, and sectors such as metallurgy, energy, and the chemical industry have recorded declines of 50–60%. The budget deficit for 2025 is estimated at over 130 million euros.

The Transnistrian conflict erupted in March 1992 amid the proclamation of independence by the Republic of Moldova and was fueled by the presence of the 14th Army of the Russian Federation. Fighting ceased on July 21, 1992, after the signing of the agreement between Mircea Snegur and Boris Yeltsin, but the region remained under separatist control, with a few thousand Russian soldiers stationed under the guise of a peacekeeping mission and maintaining the Cobasna ammunition depot.

Chișinău has repeatedly requested, including at the UN, the withdrawal of Russian troops, but to date, they continue to be stationed on Moldovan territory.