‘We call on the Federation Council and the State Duma of Russia to implement measures to protect Transdniester in the face of increased pressure from Moldova, taking into account that more than 220,000 Russian citizens live in the territory,’ the resolution reads.

The document further highlights Moscow’s ‘unique positive experience’ in maintaining peace in Transdniestria, as well as ‘the status of guarantor and mediator in the negotiation process.’

The resolution states that Transdniester has recently faced unprecedented economic, social, humanitarian, political and military challenges and threats.

The history of this republic dates back to 1992, when several districts on the eastern bank of the Dniester River, with a majority Russian-speaking population, rose against Chisinau and proclaimed their independence out of fear that Moldova would merge with neighboring Romania after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Chisinau responded by sending troops to the rebel territory, which provoked an armed conflict that lasted for several months.

Today Transdniester is a territory outside Chisinau’s control, with all the attributes of a state, including its own currency.

Peacekeeping in the conflict zone is carried out by the Joint Control Commission and a mixed military contingent from Russia, Moldova and Transdniester.

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