Moldova Eyes Transnistria Solution as Ukraine Contains Russia, Sandu Says

Moldova is discussing the creation of an international mechanism to address the situation in the Transnistrian region, President Maia Sandu said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on April 26.

According to Ukrinform on April 26, Sandu confirmed that consultations are ongoing with international partners, including the European Union, regarding a potential framework for the region’s reintegration.

She stated that all sides involved recognize the need for a process focused on demilitarization, de-oligarchization, and democratization.

“For this stage to take place, we need international support. This is exactly what we are discussing, especially with the EU these days. As for Ukraine’s contribution, I would say the biggest contribution it has already made is that it keeps the Russian army far from Moldova’s borders. This allows us to seek a peaceful settlement of the conflict, and we highly appreciate this,” Sandu said.

According to Ukrinform, Sandu emphasized that Moldova will play a central role in shaping any future mechanism, while continuing consultations with its partners.

Zelenskyy, speaking at the same press conference, said that the continued presence of Russian forces in Transnistria remains a key obstacle to Moldova’s development and poses long-term security risks.

He noted that Ukraine supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and has previously offered assistance in the energy sector as an alternative to Russian supplies.

“We once offered, instead of Russian gas that was going to their station, coal, and assistance, and support, but we always did it, I believe, diplomatically correctly. We always communicated with the President of Moldova. Where she supports and sees Ukraine’s support, we will be a reliable partner,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that decisions on any international governance or transitional arrangements for Transnistria fall under Moldova’s jurisdiction, while for Ukraine the issue remains directly linked to border security.

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According to Ukrinform, Zelenskyy also questioned the feasibility of Russia’s participation in any future international mechanism.

“I think Moldova does not consider an international mechanism with Russia, because Russia is present there, undoubtedly, to block the normal life of Moldova. And we see that nothing normal has happened in nearly four decades of occupation,” he said.

Transnistria, a breakaway region along Moldova’s eastern border, has been under the control of Russian-backed forces since the early 1990s. Russian troops remain stationed in the region, which has long been a point of tension between Moldova and Moscow.

Earlier, the European Union proposed a broad peace framework requiring Russia to withdraw its troops from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and the Transnistrian region. The plan, circulated by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, also calls for the removal of Russian nuclear weapons from Belarus, war reparations, and reciprocal force reductions tied to any Ukrainian troop drawdowns.

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