Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) has accused Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin of “very dangerously playing with fire” regarding the Republic of Moldova. Pro-Russian separatists have asked for “protection” in the breakaway region of Transnistria. A cry for help that brings back dark memories.
The alleged request for protection sounds “a bit like a Kremlin script,” Schallenberg said in Beirut on Thursday. “Let him (Putin) warn that the Moscow script, which now seems to be unfolding again, will not work.”
Following similar maneuvers, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula in 2014 and four other Ukrainian regions eight years later.
Open a new front?
Transnistria seceded from the Republic of Moldova in 1992. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, there has been speculation that Putin could play the Transnistria card to put pressure on neighboring Ukraine.
Putin “has always been good for surprises, but unfortunately in recent years for bad surprises,” Schallenberg told accompanying journalists on the sidelines of his trip to the Middle East. “It could also be that they simply want to force Ukraine to move troop contingents back to the south of the country.”
The gas factor
Schallenberg further said that such a development was “in principle to be expected.” In this context, he referred to a conversation he had with his Moldovan counterpart Mihai Popsoi at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February. “We have not ruled out the possibility of such a development, especially because of the energy situation,” the foreign minister said, referring to Ukraine’s announcement that it would break the gas transit contract to Moldova.
The use of cheap Russian gas for electricity production, among other things, is one of the most important sources of income for the separatist region.
The EU referendum is coming
Schallenberg cited the EU referendum in the Republic of Moldova, scheduled for the fall, as another possible reason for the current escalation. Accordingly, developments show that “in reality, Moscow’s grip is becoming weaker.” “Moldova has made a very clear decision, is following a very consistent European course, is fully supported by us and we are all in full solidarity with Moldova’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
When asked how Moldova should respond to a possible annexation of Transnistria by Russia, Schallenberg said: “Keeping a cool head is the best thing you can do at the moment.” The Moldovan government’s first reactions were ‘very sensible’, ‘and that is very sensible. was reassuring.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
