That region in Europe wants to join Russia: The war could spread

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

A parliamentary meeting will be held in the Transnistria region, with the participation of deputies, mayors, and 'representatives from all levels and regions.' Tensions are extremely high in the region ahead of the meeting to be held on February 28.

As the country's economy has worsened, with allegations of corruption and bribery following one another, farmer protests had recently emerged. In assessments made in the European press, the Moldovan administration was described as 'ineffective.' While economic and political turmoil continues in Moldova, the separatist administration in the Transnistria region announced that 'a very important congress regarding the future of the country' will be held on February 28.

In Moldova, protests by Transnistrians demanding independence last year were suppressed by the police, and the Moldovan government held Russia responsible for the incidents.

According to statements made by the Transnistrian administration to the press, Transnistrians applied to President Vadim Krasnoselsky on February 16 to hold a congress. On February 19, the president called on the parliament to convene urgently. According to the decision taken, the Transnistrian parliament will hold a congress on February 28, which will be attended by local representatives and elected state officials from all levels.

The purpose of the congress had not been announced. Parliament Speaker Aleksandr Korshunov, speaking to the Pravda newspaper, said that the congress was organized to address not only Russia but the whole world.

On the other hand, deputy Vadim Kravchuk, in a statement to Tiraspol TV (TSV), claimed that the purpose of the congress was for Transnistria to join Russia.

UKRAINE SAID 'WE WILL RESPOND IF TRANSNISTRIA JOINS THE WAR'

If Transnistria joins Russia, Ukraine will also have Russia as a neighbor on its western borders. Ukraine has made consecutive statements following the congress decision. According to Ukraine, the congress does not mean that Transnistria will definitely join Russia. However, according to the Kyiv administration, the congress poses a serious danger.

As reported by the Kyiv Independent, Ukrainian officials are following the situation very closely. According to state sources not named in the newspaper's report, it is alleged that Ukraine is making preparations for the possibility of a new front opening in the west.

Transnistrian President Krasnoselsky had called on the army on January 22 to accelerate military exercises.

Ukraine's special envoy Paun Rohovei began intensive contacts in Moldova after the congress decision was taken on February 19. However, no statement was made to the press regarding the meetings held.

Russian military units are already stationed in the Transnistria region.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes in its statements that they will respond if Transnistria joins the war.

PUTIN WILL ADDRESS THE PARLIAMENT ON FEBRUARY 29

While preparations for the congress to be held in Transnistria on February 28 continue, it was announced that Putin will address the parliament in Moscow on February 29. The European press describes the date Putin chose to address the parliament as 'significant.' It is said that if Transnistria makes a possible 'integration' request, Putin may call on the parliament to accept the request in his speech to the parliament on February 29.

HISTORY OF TRANSNISTRIA

Transnistria declared its independence in the 1990s as the Soviet Union was collapsing, but no country in the world recognized the region's independence. After the war between Moldova and Transnistria in 1992, a ceasefire agreement was signed, and Moldova has not been able to establish control in the region since that day. Despite the decades that have passed, Transnistria is still a region with an uncertain legal status. However, the region has its own legislative, executive, and judicial bodies.