Transnistria requests protection from Moscow: What does the decision mean?

In the statement issued following the congress, it was requested that Russia intervene, citing that Moldova had declared an economic war on Transnistria.

Following the congress decision taken on February 19, there was speculation that Transnistria might request annexation by Russia. The congress held on February 28 was attended not only by members of parliament but also by civil servants from various levels and representatives without official titles.

It is not yet known what the request for protection entails. Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the parliament on February 29. Putin is expected to make a statement regarding Transnistria's request.

The region, which is not recognized by any state in the world, has not been under the de facto control of Moldova since 1992. If Transnistria, located on Ukraine's western borders, were to join Moscow, there is a possibility that the war could spread to western Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence announced that Russia has two motorized brigades in Transnistria. According to Ukrainian media, even if Russia were to annex the region, it does not seem possible for it to open a new front in the near future. According to an analysis featured in the Kyiv Post, it is not possible for Russia to transport military logistics to the region due to Transnistria's geographical location.

However, Western experts have suggested that Russia could organize a military operation to capture Odesa, Ukraine's last port on the Black Sea. If Transnistria is annexed by Russia, the possibility of a military operation against Odesa could increase.