2022 Transnistria attacks

Speculation about the possible role that Transnistria could adopt during the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been made ever since the start of the war and even before, during its prelude.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/03/11/moldovas-rebel-region-stays-neutral-in-russias-war-on-ukraine/|title=Moldova's Rebel Region Stays Neutral in Russia's War on Ukraine|first=Keith|last=Harrington|newspaper=Balkan Insight|date=11 March 2022|access-date=29 April 2022|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319074606/https://balkaninsight.com/2022/03/11/moldovas-rebel-region-stays-neutral-in-russias-war-on-ukraine/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-a-tiny-breakaway-state-called-transnistria-can-alter-the-ukraine-crisis-54894|title=How a tiny breakaway state called Transnistria can alter the Ukraine crisis|publisher=TRT World|date=18 February 2022|access-date=29 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430134922/https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-a-tiny-breakaway-state-called-transnistria-can-alter-the-ukraine-crisis-54894|url-status=live}} Before the war, American officials accused Russia of preparing "provocations" against Russian soldiers stationed in Transnistria in order to create a casus belli for a Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite news|quote=Photograph by Alexei Alexandrov (AP Photo)|date=14 January 2022|title=Russia is preparing a pretext for invading Ukraine: US official|work=Al Jazeera English|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/14/russia-is-preparing-a-pretext-for-invading-ukraine-us-official|url-status=live|access-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114232045/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/14/russia-is-preparing-a-pretext-for-invading-ukraine-us-official|archive-date=14 January 2022}} Further, on 24 February, on the first day of the invasion, there were allegations that some rockets that had hit Ukraine had been launched from Transnistria, although Moldova's Ministry of Defense denied this.{{cite news|title=Moldova tightens security after explosions heard close to Russia-backed Transnistria|url=https://intellinews.com/moldova-tightens-security-after-explosions-heard-close-to-russia-backed-transnistria-236052/|access-date=24 February 2022|agency=Intellinews|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224172130/https://intellinews.com/moldova-tightens-security-after-explosions-heard-close-to-russia-backed-transnistria-236052/|url-status=live}} Later, on 6 March, there were again claims that attacks that had hit Vinnytsia's airport had been launched from Transnistria, although Moldovan officials again denied this and said that they had been launched from Russian ships in the Black Sea.{{cite news|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/03/6/7328856/|title=Missiles which hit Vinnytsia were not launched from the Transnistria – Ministry of Defence of Moldova|newspaper=Ukrayinska Pravda|date=6 March 2022|access-date=29 April 2022|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429165133/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/03/6/7328856/|url-status=live}}

Amid rumors that Transnistria would attack Ukraine, the President of Transnistria Vadim Krasnoselski declared that Transnistria is a peaceful state which never had any plans to attack its neighbors and that those who spread these allegations were people without control over the situation or provocateurs with malicious intentions. He also made reference to the large ethnically Ukrainian population of Transnistria and how Ukrainian is taught in Transnistrian schools and is one of the official languages of the republic.{{cite news |url=https://www.stiripesurse.ro/liderul-de-la-tiraspol-vadim-krasnoselski-transnistria-este-un-stat-pasnic-nu-am-avut-niciodata-planuri-de-natura-agresiva-fata-de-vecinii-nostri_2261995.html |title=Liderul de la Tiraspol, Vadim Krasnoselski: Transnistria este un stat pașnic. Nu am avut niciodată planuri de natură agresivă față de vecinii noștri |trans-title=Tiraspol leader Vadim Krasnoselski: Transnistria is a peaceful state. We have never had aggressive plans against our neighbors |first=Bogdan |last=Antonescu |newspaper=stiripesurse.ro |date=26 February 2022 |language=ro |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226225527/https://www.stiripesurse.ro/liderul-de-la-tiraspol-vadim-krasnoselski-transnistria-este-un-stat-pasnic-nu-am-avut-niciodata-planuri-de-natura-agresiva-fata-de-vecinii-nostri_2261995.html |url-status=live }} However, in March, an image of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko standing in front of a battle plan map of the invasion of Ukraine was leaked. This map showed a supposed incursion of Russian troops from the Ukrainian city port of Odesa into Transnistria and Moldova, revealing that Transnistria could get posteriorly involved in the war.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/596409-belarus-president-stands-in-front-of-battle-map-indicating-moldova/|title=Belarus president stands in front of map indicating Moldova invasion plans|first=Ellen|last=Mitchell|newspaper=The Hill|date=1 March 2022|access-date=29 April 2022|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429165130/https://thehill.com/policy/international/596409-belarus-president-stands-in-front-of-battle-map-indicating-moldova/|url-status=live}}

In April, a week before the attacks in Transnistria, Major General and acting commander of Russia's Central Military District Rustam Minnekaev raised the issue of Russian speakers in Transnistria, echoing Russia's justifications for the war in Ukraine. Minnekaev announced that the plan of Russia's military action in Ukraine included taking full control of Southern Ukraine and achieving a land corridor to Transnistria. He also talked about the existence of supposed evidence of "oppression of the Russian-speaking population" of Transnistria.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 2022 |title=Moldova holds urgent security meeting after Transnistria blasts |work=Aljazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/26/blasts-hit-ministry-in-moldovas-transnistria-near-ukraine |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505055904/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/26/blasts-hit-ministry-in-moldovas-transnistria-near-ukraine |url-status=live }}

On 25 April, explosions hit the headquarters of Transnistria's Ministry of State Security in Tiraspol, the republic's capital,{{Cite web |title=Blasts hit ministry in Transnistria, next to Ukraine |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/blasts-hit-ministry-transnistria-ukraine-84298161 |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426141845/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/blasts-hit-ministry-transnistria-ukraine-84298161 |url-status=live }} at 15:00 GMT. The Militsiya blocked off the streets near the incident and instructed no one to approach.{{Cite web |title=Moldova: Explosions reported near Transnistria Ministry of Security in Tiraspol April 25 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2022/04/moldova-explosions-reported-near-transnistria-ministry-of-security-in-tiraspol-april-25 |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=Moldova: Explosions reported near Transnistria Ministry of Security in Tiraspol April 25 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425195500/https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2022/04/moldova-explosions-reported-near-transnistria-ministry-of-security-in-tiraspol-april-25 |url-status=live }} Preliminary reports described it as a grenade launcher attack.{{Cite news |title=Explosions heard near gov't building in pro-Russia Transnistria – report |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-705070 |access-date=2022-04-25 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506112856/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-705070 |url-status=live }} It was undertaken with RPG-18 and RPG-27 launchers. The latter are only used by the armies of Russia, Transnistria, Gabon and Jordan, which may suggest that it could have been perpetrated by one of the first two.

On 26 April, a "group of patriots" as they called themselves of the Ministry of State Security of Transnistria sent a document in Russian to the editorial team of the Moldovan newspaper AVA appealing to the Moldovan state authorities, to representatives of diplomatic missions in Moldova and to Moldovan and Ukrainian media and law enforcement institutions. This document included a list of people reportedly involved on the attack at the ministry building. It said that the attack had been organized by Razgonov Vitaly Leonidovich, an advisor to the president of Transnistria and a major general who joined Transnistria in 2019. He would have formed a network of people in Transnistria to destabilize the region. These people involved in the attack, being eight in total and many with Russian citizenship, include Transnistrian government and army officials, civil servants and heads of organizations and media outlets, and all of them had their own pseudonyms. This text ended with the phrase "Let's keep peace at the Dniester together!!".{{cite news|url=https://ava.md/2022/04/26/oficery-mgb-razoblachayut-provokacii/|title=Офицеры МГБ разоблачают провокации российских спецслужб|newspaper=AVA.MD|date=26 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427110929/https://ava.md/2022/04/26/oficery-mgb-razoblachayut-provokacii/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.antena3.ro/externe/presa-moldova-publica-lista-spioni-rusi-transnistria-637542.html|title=Presa din Moldova publică lista spionilor ruși din autoproclamata Republică a Transnistriei|first=Alexandra|last=Ionescu|publisher=Antena 3|date=27 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430093842/https://www.antena3.ro/externe/presa-moldova-publica-lista-spioni-rusi-transnistria-637542.html|url-status=live}}

On 27 April, TV PMR released a video on its Telegram account of the attack on the ministry building. The TV channel reported that unknown people arrived in Tiraspol in a car from the area of Grigoriopol after illegally crossing the border between Transnistria and Ukraine. It also said that it only took 20 seconds for these persons to effectuate the attack and that the license plate of their car was EL 387 RJ.{{cite news|url=https://newsmaker.md/rus/novosti/pridnestrovskie-smi-opublikovali-video-obstrela-zdaniya-mgb-v-tiraspole/|title=Приднестровские СМИ опубликовали видео обстрела здания МГБ в Тирасполе|first=Vera|last=Balakhnova|newspaper=NewsMaker|date=27 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427153334/https://newsmaker.md/rus/novosti/pridnestrovskie-smi-opublikovali-video-obstrela-zdaniya-mgb-v-tiraspole/|url-status=live}}

No injuries have been reported following the ministry attack, and no one has claimed responsibility for it either.

File:Mayak Radio Center shortwave antenna after the April 2022 bombing.jpg site]]

Following the attack to the security ministry building, at 23:30 still on 25 April, the Tiraspol Airport was attacked from the air, possibly having been from a drone strike; two explosives had been dropped on the air base of the airport. The windows and hood of a ZIL-131 truck were damaged.{{cite news|url=https://unimedia.info/ro/news/6eaaae55d440c834/explozia-de-la-aerodromul-de-la-tiraspol-s-a-auzit-la-parcani-doua-obiecte-explozive-ar-fi-fost-aruncate-cu-ajutorul-unei-drone.html?t=1650983353269|title=Explozia de la aerodromul de la Tiraspol s-a auzit la Parcani: Două obiecte explozive ar fi fost aruncate cu ajutorul unei drone|newspaper=Unimedia|date=26 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804210219/https://unimedia.info/ro/news/6eaaae55d440c834/explozia-de-la-aerodromul-de-la-tiraspol-s-a-auzit-la-parcani-doua-obiecte-explozive-ar-fi-fost-aruncate-cu-ajutorul-unei-drone.html?t=1650983353269|url-status=live}} There also were reports on that day that a military unit of the Armed Forces of Transnistria had been attacked near Parcani.{{cite news|url=https://tv8.md/2022/01/05/video-ce-se-intampla-in-stanga-nistrului-exploziile-din-zona-au-creat-panica-si-multe-discutii-in-randul-oficialilor/199400|title=/VIDEO/ Ce se întâmplă în stânga Nistrului: Exploziile din zonă au creat panică și multe discuții în rândul oficialilor|publisher=TV8|date=27 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530020731/https://tv8.md/2022/01/05/video-ce-se-intampla-in-stanga-nistrului-exploziile-din-zona-au-creat-panica-si-multe-discutii-in-randul-oficialilor/199400|url-status=live}} The Transnistrian authorities did not officially confirm the explosions in the Tiraspol Airport, which were initially reported by Moldova.{{cite news|url=https://nvo.ng.ru/cis/2022-04-26/1_8427_transdniestria.html|title=Приднестровье становится "красной зоной"|first=Svetlana|last=Gamova|newspaper=Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye|date=26 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=2 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502112113/https://nvo.ng.ru/cis/2022-04-26/1_8427_transdniestria.html|url-status=live}} It was later clarified that both reports referred to the same event at the air base in Tiraspol.{{cite news|url=https://pridnestrovie-news.ru/2022/04/transnistria-259/|title=Взрыв возле аэродрома в Тирасполе|newspaper=Novosti v Pridnestrovye i Moldove|date=26 April 2022|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502111609/https://pridnestrovie-news.ru/2022/04/transnistria-259/|archive-date=2 May 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://regnum.ru/news/3577032.html|title=Теракты в Приднестровье: кому это выгодно? Что дальше?|first=Sergey|last=Artomenko|publisher=REGNUM News Agency|date=27 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505194641/https://regnum.ru/news/3577032.html|url-status=live}}

On 26 April, two explosions in the Grigoriopol transmitter were reported in Maiac, the first one at 06:40 and the second at 07:05, knocking out two radio antennas that broadcast Russian radio stations. The affected antennas were the most powerful in the site, one having a power of 1 MW and the other having a power of 500 kW. No injuries were reported on the site and nobody has claimed responsibility.{{Cite news |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=2022-04-26 |title=Tensions surge after breakaway Moldovan region reports attacks; Kyiv blames Russia |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-hit-soviet-era-radio-antennae-breakaway-moldovan-region-authorities-say-2022-04-26/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502222117/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-hit-soviet-era-radio-antennae-breakaway-moldovan-region-authorities-say-2022-04-26/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Explosions in Mayak Village |url=https://mvdpmr.org/kriminalnie-novosti/37731-vzryvy-v-posjolke-mayak.html |website=Ministry of Internal Affairs of Transnistria |access-date=28 April 2022 |language=ru |date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=30 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430030954/https://mvdpmr.org/kriminalnie-novosti/37731-vzryvy-v-posjolke-mayak.html |url-status=dead }} The Investigative Committee of Transnistria later announced that the group of people who would have caused the explosions ranged from 5 to 10 persons. They arrived to the transmitter during the night. The center's large coverage area of {{convert|900|ha|abbr=off}} and its designation as a civil installation led the site to be underguarded, allowing the group to camp freely around the center. Antennas of the center were mined with anti-tank mines connected by detonating cords and with plastic explosives, some of which did not explode at the time of the attack. Those that did took down the two antennas, the first of which fell after the destruction of one of its pillars, which caused the structure to collapse. A criminal case was started against these people, who were accused of terrorism and could face 20 years in prison.{{cite news|url=https://novostipmr.com/ru/news/22-04-29/v-sledstvennom-komitete-proyasnili-obstoyatelstva-vzryva-antenn|title=В Следственном комитете прояснили обстоятельства взрыва антенн Приднестровского радиотелецентра|newspaper=Novosti Pridnestrovya|date=29 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530194258/https://novostipmr.com/ru/news/22-04-29/v-sledstvennom-komitete-proyasnili-obstoyatelstva-vzryva-antenn|url-status=live}}

On 27 April, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Transnistria reported that several drones flew over Cobasna, which is only around {{convert|2|km|mi|frac=4|spell=in}} away from the border with Ukraine, and that shots were fired at the village. The ministry claim that the drones came from Ukraine.{{cite news |date=27 April 2022 |title=Moldova's separatist Transdniester claims 'drones seen, shots fired' near huge ammo depot |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-transdniester-ammo-depot-cobasna/31823423.html |access-date=27 April 2022 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506182847/https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-transdniester-ammo-depot-cobasna/31823423.html |url-status=live }} Cobasna hosts an ammunition depot which is one of the biggest if not the biggest in Eastern Europe. The weapons stored there are expired, and if they exploded, the strength of the explosion would be similar to that of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is currently guarded by a group of around 1,500 Russian troops.{{cite news |last1=Ciochină |first1=Simion |last2=Schwartz |first2=Robert |date=1 December 2015 |title=Transnistria's explosive inheritance from the Soviet era |newspaper=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/transnistrias-explosive-inheritance-from-the-soviet-era/a-18886862 |access-date=27 April 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429164050/https://www.dw.com/en/transnistrias-explosive-inheritance-from-the-soviet-era/a-18886862 |url-status=live }}

On 6 May at 9:40, there were four explosions near a former airport in Vărăncău. It was reported that at least two drones, which presumably struck the area close to the airport with explosives, flew over the village. An hour later, the incident was repeated.{{cite news |last=Aitken |first=Peter |date=7 May 2022 |title=Breakaway Moldova state of Transnistria reports explosions along Ukraine border |publisher=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/moldova-transnistria-explosions-ukraine-border |access-date=7 May 2022 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512180033/https://www.foxnews.com/world/moldova-transnistria-explosions-ukraine-border |url-status=live }}

On 5 June, at 5:10, a drone launched two explosives, most likely RGD-5 grenades, over the parking area of the fleet vehicles of a military reserve unit in Vladimirovca. It was announced by the Transnistrian authorities the next day and no victims or material damage were reported. A criminal case was initiated after the event.{{cite news |last=Bolotnicov |first=Cristian |date=6 June 2022 |title=Incidentul din apropierea localității Vladimirovka, investigat de așa-zisul comitet de anchetă de la Tiraspol |language=ro |newspaper=Agora |url=https://agora.md/stiri/103342/incidentul-din-apropierea-localitatii-vladimirovka-investigat-de-asa-zisul-comitet-de-ancheta-de-la-tiraspol |access-date=26 June 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818083956/https://agora.md/stiri/103342/incidentul-din-apropierea-localitatii-vladimirovka-investigat-de-asa-zisul-comitet-de-ancheta-de-la-tiraspol |url-status=live }}

On 3 May, at 02:00, a drone with {{convert|2|kg|abbr=off}} of plastic explosives and {{convert|5|L|abbr=off}} of Molotov cocktail liquid flew over the Maiac transmitter. Its objective would have been a second attack from a far distance over the complex, more specifically against its cooling system, which would have disabled the plant. This was stopped by Transnistrian border guards.{{cite news |date=3 May 2022 |title=В Приднестровье предотвратили новый теракт с использованием беспилотника |language=ru |publisher=REGNUM News Agency |url=https://regnum.ru/news/polit/3581402.html |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505165346/https://regnum.ru/news/polit/3581402.html |url-status=live }}

On 5 May, Transnistrian television channel TSV reported that residents of Pervomaisc reported hearing shots near the Cuciurgan power station under Transnistria's control. The shots would have been within Ukraine's borders, in the village of {{ill|Pavlivka, Stepanivka rural hromada, Rozdilna Raion, Odesa Oblast|lt=Pavlivka|ro|Pavlivka, Rozdilna|ru|Павловка (Раздельнянский район)|uk|Павлівка (Степанівська сільська громада)}}. Ukraine had previously announced that it would hold military exercises near that area. Sandu quickly condemned the incident after its report.{{cite news |last=Mirabela |first=Vasile |date=5 May 2022 |title=Presa din Transnistria scrie că s-au auzit focuri de armă la granița cu Ucraina |language=ro |newspaper=Playtech |url=https://playtech.ro/2022/presa-din-transnistria-scrie-ca-s-au-auzit-focuri-de-arma-la-granita-cu-ucraina/ |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505124745/https://playtech.ro/2022/presa-din-transnistria-scrie-ca-s-au-auzit-focuri-de-arma-la-granita-cu-ucraina/ |url-status=live }}

Transnistrian deputy Andrei Safonov told TASS "the shelling of the building by a grenade launcher is an attempt to sow panic and fear," asserting that "attempts to put pressure on us have been observed before". Following the attacks, it was announced that the Transnistrian army had been put on maximum alert.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stiripesurse.ro/fortele-rusesti-din-transnistria-au-fost-aduse-in-stare-de-alerta-maxima-de-lupta_2356790.html|title=Forțele rusești din Transnistria au fost aduse în stare de alertă maximă de luptă|website=Știri pe surse|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172729/https://www.stiripesurse.ro/fortele-rusesti-din-transnistria-au-fost-aduse-in-stare-de-alerta-maxima-de-lupta_2356790.html|url-status=live}}

On 27 April, during an interview by the Russian news agency Interfax, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria {{ill|Vitaly Ignatyev|ru|Игнатьев, Виталий Викторович}} talked about the attacks and proposed ending the Transnistria conflict with Moldova by signing a "final comprehensive peace treaty" where mutual non-aggression is guaranteed.{{cite news|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/838150|title=Министр иностранных дел ПМР: за 30 лет подобного рода терактов у нас не было|publisher=Interfax|date=27 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427081405/https://www.interfax.ru/world/838150|url-status=live}}

The day after the first explosions, Moldova's president held an extraordinary meeting of the Supreme Security Council. The Moldovan government has ordered increased patrols and border controls, including at the Transnistrian border, and has increased security alert levels at critical infrastructure facilities. On the other side, the Transnistrian authorities have raised the terroristic threat level to "red" and established checkpoints in the capital.{{Cite web |title=Moldova: Authorities increase security nationwide following April 25–26 explosions in breakaway Transnistria region /update 2 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2022/04/moldova-authorities-increase-security-nationwide-following-april-25-26-explosions-in-breakaway-transnistria-region-update-2 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Moldova: Authorities increase security nationwide following April 25–26 explosions in breakaway Transnistria region /update 2 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429142529/https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2022/04/moldova-authorities-increase-security-nationwide-following-april-25-26-explosions-in-breakaway-transnistria-region-update-2 |url-status=live }}

Moldovan president Maia Sandu said the "escalation attempts stem from factions from within the Transnistrian region who are pro-war forces and interested in destabilising the situation in the region."{{Cite news |date=2022-04-25 |title=Blasts tear through state security HQ in Moldova's breakaway region – TV |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-tear-through-state-security-hq-moldovas-breakaway-region-tass-2022-04-25/ |access-date=2022-04-25 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426070535/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-tear-through-state-security-hq-moldovas-breakaway-region-tass-2022-04-25/ |url-status=live }}

Following the attacks the Russia's deputy foreign minister {{ill|Andrei Rudenko|ru|Руденко, Андрей Юрьевич}} hinted at an invasion of Moldova, saying he would "like to avoid such a scenario" in which Moscow was required to intervene, but that "certain forces" had created "a hotbed of tension".{{Cite news |date=April 26, 2022 |title=Russia hints at Moldova invasion, as unexplained attacks create 'hotbed of tension' |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/26/pro-russian-region-moldova-raises-terror-threat-attacks-near/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503052821/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/26/pro-russian-region-moldova-raises-terror-threat-attacks-near/ |url-status=live }} The leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin told that Moscow should "take into account what is happening in Transnistria" when planning the next stage of its military campaign.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 2022 |title=Fears grow over Moldova breakaway region being drawn into Ukraine war |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/26/moldova-holds-security-meeting-as-tensions-rise-over-breakaway-region-transnistria |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506092153/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/26/moldova-holds-security-meeting-as-tensions-rise-over-breakaway-region-transnistria |url-status=live }}

TASS reported President of Transnistria Vadim Krasnoselsky saying that Ukraine was suspected to have been behind the attack.{{Cite news |date=2022-04-26 |title=Moldovan breakaway region says attacks can be traced to Ukraine – TASS |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovan-breakaway-region-says-attacks-can-be-traced-ukraine-tass-2022-04-26/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426161123/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovan-breakaway-region-says-attacks-can-be-traced-ukraine-tass-2022-04-26/ |url-status=live }} The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that the explosions were part of a plan by Russia to occupy Southern Ukraine in order to establish a land bridge between Transnistria and the Crimea, during the invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite news |date=2022-04-26 |title=Ukraine warns against attempts to drag Moldova's Transniestria region into war |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-warns-against-attempts-drag-moldovas-transniestria-region-into-war-2022-04-26/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426155621/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-warns-against-attempts-drag-moldovas-transniestria-region-into-war-2022-04-26/ |url-status=live }}

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania condemned the attacks and expressed its support to Moldova and Sandu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/politica/mae-romania-sustine-eforturile-republicii-moldova-de-a-gestiona-responsabil-situatia-din-transnistria-1918799|title=MAE: România susține eforturile Republicii Moldova de a gestiona responsabil situația din Transnistria|website=www.digi24.ro|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428203833/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/politica/mae-romania-sustine-eforturile-republicii-moldova-de-a-gestiona-responsabil-situatia-din-transnistria-1918799|url-status=live}} As a result of the attacks in Transnistria, calls from figures in Romania such as the Romanian historian Marius Oprea or entities like the party Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) were made to unite Moldova and Romania to avoid Russian aggression on the former.{{Cite web|url=https://ziare.com/republica-moldova-unire-romania/aur-unire-republica-moldova-romania-transnistria-1737757|title=Retorica unirii Basarabiei cu România, readusă în atenția publică de AUR în contextul tensionat din Transnistria|website=Ziare.com|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426151331/https://ziare.com/republica-moldova-unire-romania/aur-unire-republica-moldova-romania-transnistria-1737757|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mediafax.ro/editorialistii/comentariu-marius-oprea-posibila-strategie-a-viitorului-romania-moldova-intarirea-flancului-estic-al-nato-20778121|title=COMENTARIU Marius Oprea / Posibilă strategie a viitorului: România + Moldova = întărirea flancului estic al NATO|website=Mediafax.ro|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427182331/https://www.mediafax.ro/editorialistii/comentariu-marius-oprea-posibila-strategie-a-viitorului-romania-moldova-intarirea-flancului-estic-al-nato-20778121|url-status=live}} The former Prime Minister of Moldova, Iurie Leancă, also talked about this possibility.{{Cite web | url=https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/fost-premier-al-republicii-moldova-unicul-scenariu-pentru-protejarea-tarii-este-unirea-cu-romania.html | title=Fost premier al Republicii Moldova: "Unicul scenariu pentru protejarea țării este unirea cu România" | access-date=28 April 2022 | archive-date=28 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428064201/https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/fost-premier-al-republicii-moldova-unicul-scenariu-pentru-protejarea-tarii-este-unirea-cu-romania.html | url-status=live }} The Minister of National Defence of Romania, Vasile Dîncu, expressed worry for the situation in Transnistria, although he declared that the conflict had no chance of further development.{{cite news|url=https://www.g4media.ro/ministrul-vasile-dincu-nu-avem-acum-discutii-legate-de-trimiterea-de-arme-in-ucraina-in-transnistria-vedem-o-incercare-de-a-crea-un-conflict-fara-sanse-sa-se-dezvolte.html|title=Ministrul Vasile Dîncu: Nu avem acum discuții legate de trimiterea de arme în Ucraina / În Transnistria vedem o încercare de a crea un conflict, fără șanse să se dezvolte|first=Mihai|last=Roman|newspaper=G4 Media|date=27 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430083206/https://www.g4media.ro/ministrul-vasile-dincu-nu-avem-acum-discutii-legate-de-trimiterea-de-arme-in-ucraina-in-transnistria-vedem-o-incercare-de-a-crea-un-conflict-fara-sanse-sa-se-dezvolte.html|url-status=live}} On 28 April, the Romanian politician Marcel Ciolacu announced that Moldova and Romania would hold a meeting on a parliamentary meeting in one or two weeks in the context of the attacks in Transnistria.{{Cite web | url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/politica/marcel-ciolacu-anunta-o-intalnire-la-nivel-parlamentar-intre-romania-si-republica-moldova-urmeaza-sa-decidem-unde-va-avea-loc-1920895 | title=Marcel Ciolacu anunță o întâlnire la nivel parlamentar între România și Republica Moldova: "Urmează să decidem unde va avea loc" | date=28 April 2022 | access-date=28 April 2022 | archive-date=28 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428170204/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/politica/marcel-ciolacu-anunta-o-intalnire-la-nivel-parlamentar-intre-romania-si-republica-moldova-urmeaza-sa-decidem-unde-va-avea-loc-1920895 | url-status=live }} Moldova and Romania are two countries closely related by culture, history and language. It has thus been theorized that a new war in Transnistria could see Romanian involvement, which is especially notable considering that Romania is a NATO member.{{cite news|url=https://timpul.md/articol/istoric-rus-rusia-se-va-dezintegra-si-defederaliza-se-autointituleaza-federatie-cand-de-fapt-se-comporta-ca-un-imperiu-aflat-in-ceasul-declinului.html|title=Ce ar însemna pentru România un război în Transnistria: Două posibile scenarii|newspaper=Timpul de dimineață|date=30 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430083206/https://timpul.md/articol/istoric-rus-rusia-se-va-dezintegra-si-defederaliza-se-autointituleaza-federatie-cand-de-fapt-se-comporta-ca-un-imperiu-aflat-in-ceasul-declinului.html|url-status=live}} During the Transnistria War between Russian-backed Transnistria and Moldova in 1992, Romania supported Moldova with military advisors, volunteers and weaponry.{{cite thesis|url=https://studenttheses.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item%3A2627078/view|title=Romanian involvement in the Transnistrian War|first=Vlad|last=Adam|publisher=Leiden University|pages=1–31|year=2017|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609191230/https://studenttheses.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item:2627078/view|url-status=live}}

On 26 April, during the 2022 Ramstein Air Base meeting, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin declared that he was "not really sure what that's all about, but it's something that we will stay focused on".{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-unsure-about-cause-transdniestria-violence-pentagon-chief-2022-04-26/|title=U.S. unsure about cause of Transdniestria violence- Pentagon chief|publisher=Reuters|date=26 April 2022|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506170413/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-unsure-about-cause-transdniestria-violence-pentagon-chief-2022-04-26/|url-status=live}}

On 26 April, Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said during an interview that Moldova was a close neighbor to Ukraine, that Ukraine was not indifferent to it and that Moldova could turn to Ukraine for help. He also declared that Ukraine was able to solve the problem of Transnistria "in the blink of an eye", but only if Moldovan authorities requested the country's help; and that Romania could also come to Moldova's aid as "they are in fact the same people", with the same language as he continued, even though "there are many Moldovans who would not agree with me".{{cite news|url=https://deschide.md/ro/stiri/23/105562/VIDEO--Arestovici-Ucraina-poate-rezolva-problema-transnistrean%C4%83-%E2%80%9Dc%C3%A2t-ai-pocni-din-degete%E2%80%9D-dar-trebuie-ca-R-Moldova-s%C4%83-i-cear%C4%83-ajutorul.htm|title=VIDEO // Arestovici: Ucraina poate rezolva problema transnistreană "cât ai pocni din degete", dar trebuie ca R. Moldova să-i ceară ajutorul|first=Tudor|last=Ioniță|newspaper=Deschide.MD|date=27 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=31 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131171507/https://deschide.md/ro/stiri/23/105562/VIDEO--Arestovici-Ucraina-poate-rezolva-problema-transnistrean%C4%83-%E2%80%9Dc%C3%A2t-ai-pocni-din-degete%E2%80%9D-dar-trebuie-ca-R-Moldova-s%C4%83-i-cear%C4%83-ajutorul.htm|url-status=live}} Moldova officially let down this suggestion from Ukraine, expressing its support only for a peaceful outcome of the conflict.{{cite news|url=https://www.intellinews.com/moldova-rejects-ukraine-s-offer-to-seize-transnistria-242742/|title=Moldova rejects Ukraine's offer to seize Transnistria|first=Iulian|last=Ernst|publisher=bne IntelliNews|date=28 April 2022|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504072308/https://intellinews.com/moldova-rejects-ukraine-s-offer-to-seize-transnistria-242742/|url-status=live}} Furthermore, Dmitry Peskov, then the Kremlin Press Secretary of Russia, called Arestovych's words "rather provocative".{{cite news|url=https://www.1lurer.am/en/2022/04/27/Kremlin-dismisses-Arestovich%E2%80%99s-statement-concerning-Transnistria-as-provocative/711191|title=Kremlin dismisses Arestovich's statement concerning Transnistria as provocative|publisher=1Lurer|date=27 April 2022|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404004952/https://www.1lurer.am/en/2022/04/27/Kremlin-dismisses-Arestovich%E2%80%99s-statement-concerning-Transnistria-as-provocative/711191|url-status=live}}

The Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, who planned to visit the Prime Minister of Moldova on 28 April afternoon and the Prime Minister of Poland on the next day, cancelled both visits following the explosions in Transnistria.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-27 |title=President Pedro Sanchez cancels his visit to Poland and Moldova "due to scheduling issues" day after Transnistria explosions |url=https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/04/27/president-pedro-sanchez-cancels-his-visit-to-poland-and-moldova-due-to-scheduling-issues-day-after-transnistria-explosions/ |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Euro Weekly News |language=en-GB |archive-date=27 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427144337/https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/04/27/president-pedro-sanchez-cancels-his-visit-to-poland-and-moldova-due-to-scheduling-issues-day-after-transnistria-explosions/ |url-status=live }}

The Israeli Foreign Ministry advised all Israelis in Transnistria to leave immediately and issued a travel warning for the area.{{Cite web |last1=staff |first1=T. O. I. |last2=AFP |title=Israel issues travel warning for Russian-backed breakaway region in Moldova |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-issues-travel-warning-for-russian-backed-breakaway-region-in-moldova/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429131202/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-issues-travel-warning-for-russian-backed-breakaway-region-in-moldova/ |url-status=live }} The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria also recommended Bulgarian citizens to flee from Moldova.{{cite news|url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/mae-bulgar-le-cere-cetatenilor-sai-sa-paraseasca-republica-moldova-1921495|title=MAE bulgar le recomandă cetățenilor săi să părăsească Republica Moldova|first=Liviu|last=Cojan|newspaper=Digi24|date=28 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430083923/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/mae-bulgar-le-cere-cetatenilor-sai-sa-paraseasca-republica-moldova-1921495|url-status=live}} The citizens of Canada, Germany, France and the United States were also advised to leave Moldova by the authorities of their countries,{{cite news|url=https://news.liga.net/ua/politics/news/uje-neskolko-stran-prizvali-svoih-grajdan-pokinut-pridnestrove-v-moldove|title=Вже кілька країн закликали своїх громадян покинути Придністров'я у Молдові|first=Nataliya|last=Medvedeva|newspaper=LIGA.net|date=29 April 2022|language=uk|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430085035/https://news.liga.net/ua/politics/news/uje-neskolko-stran-prizvali-svoih-grajdan-pokinut-pridnestrove-v-moldove|url-status=live}} and so did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia recommend its citizens to leave Transnistria.{{cite news|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/am-aicina-latvijas-valstspiederigos-pamest-piednestru-un-uz-to-necelot.d?id=54303006|title=ĀM aicina Latvijas valstspiederīgos pamest Piedņestru un uz to neceļot|publisher=Delfi|date=2 May 2022|language=lv|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504095044/https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/am-aicina-latvijas-valstspiederigos-pamest-piednestru-un-uz-to-necelot.d?id=54303006|url-status=live}} On the other hand, the Prime Minister of Romania Nicolae Ciucă said it was not necessary for Romanian citizens to do this after analyzing the situation.{{cite news|url=https://www.mediafax.ro/politic/premierul-ciuca-nu-recomandam-cetatenilor-romani-sa-paraseasca-republica-moldova-20783315|title=Premierul Ciucă: Nu recomandăm cetățenilor români să părăsească Republica Moldova|first=Cosmin|last=Pirv|newspaper=Mediafax|date=28 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430165009/https://www.mediafax.ro/politic/premierul-ciuca-nu-recomandam-cetatenilor-romani-sa-paraseasca-republica-moldova-20783315|url-status=live}}

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia, a breakaway state from Georgia, condemned the explosions in Transnistria, saying that "such criminal acts are aimed at intimidating the civilian population and creating a pretext to aggravate the situation" and that they endangered the civilians of the area and the stability of the region.{{cite news|url=https://www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/31822035.html|title=В Цхинвали осудили взрывы в Приднестровье и активизировали мониторинг на де-факто границе с Грузией|newspaper=Ekho Kavkaza|date=26 April 2022|language=ru|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=8 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508101929/https://www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/31822035.html|url-status=live}}

Following the attacks some Transnistrian residents reported receiving text messages on controversial topics such as the possibility of a referendum on reuniting with Moldova. There were also unverified reports that men under 60 would be banned from leaving the country, as in Ukraine following the onset of the war. The president of Transnistria denied these rumours about the situation on his Telegram feed.{{Cite web | url=https://t.me/VadimKrasnoselsky/373 | title=Vadim Krasnoselsky official Telegram feed | access-date=30 April 2022 | archive-date=30 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430001046/https://t.me/VadimKrasnoselsky/373 | url-status=live }}{{Cite web | url =https://t.me/s/VadimKrasnoselsky | title =Vadim Krasnoselsky | access-date =30 April 2022 | archive-date =30 April 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220430001045/https://t.me/s/VadimKrasnoselsky | url-status =live }} Some Transnistrians also received texts purporting to be from the Ukrainian armed forces claiming an attack was imminent.{{Cite web | url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/04/27/why-does-transnistria-risk-being-dragged-into-russia-s-war-in-ukraine | title=Why does Transnistria risk being dragged into Russia's war in Ukraine | date=27 April 2022 | access-date=29 April 2022 | archive-date=30 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430001045/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/04/27/why-does-transnistria-risk-being-dragged-into-russia-s-war-in-ukraine | url-status=live }}

Many people living in Transnistria started crossing into Moldova after the explosions.{{cite news|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/corespondenta-de-la-granita-moldovei-cu-transnistria-speriati-de-explozii-si-un-eventual-razboi-o-parte-dintre-locuitori-isi-fac-bagajele-4102148|title=Corespondență de la granița Moldovei cu Transnistria. Speriați de explozii și un eventual război, unii dintre locuitori își fac bagajele: "Să vedeți cozi la vamă, bancomate și acte"|first=Mircea|last=Barbu|newspaper=Libertatea|date=27 April 2022|language=ro|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504152331/https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/corespondenta-de-la-granita-moldovei-cu-transnistria-speriati-de-explozii-si-un-eventual-razboi-o-parte-dintre-locuitori-isi-fac-bagajele-4102148|url-status=live}}

Following the events in Transnistria, the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova reported that the Russian hacking group Killnet had launched a series of cyberattacks against websites of Moldovan official authorities and institutions. Some days before, this group had orchestrated similar attacks on Romanian websites.{{cite news|url=https://www.tylaz.net/2022/05/01/killnet-attacked-several-websites-of-state-institutions-in-the-republic-of-moldova/|title=Killnet attacked several websites of state institutions in the Republic of Moldova|newspaper=Tylaz|date=1 May 2022|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201037/https://www.tylaz.net/2022/05/01/killnet-attacked-several-websites-of-state-institutions-in-the-republic-of-moldova/|url-status=dead}}

Writing for the think tank Institute for the Study of War, Will Baumgardner concluded that the late April bombings were "likely a false flag operation executed by the Kremlin intended to draw Transnistria into its invasion of Ukraine". Baumgardner concluded that the attacks were unsuccessful, noting that Transnistria did not join the war, and that after the first few months Transnistria was very calm, with a complete absence of further attacks. One possible reason that the false flag attacks did not succeed is that influential Transnistrian Viktor Gushan's interests did not align with Russia.

On 17 March 2024, Transnistrian official press released a video allegedly showing a helicopter in a military unit in Tiraspol being attacked by a kamikaze drone. The Bureau for Reintegration of the Republic of Moldova claimed the attack was a simulated incident and that the video showed evident signs of montage. It also stated that "the incident was deliberately provoked with the aim of creating panic and maintaining tension in society on both banks of the Dniester".{{cite news|url=https://www.stiripesurse.ro/tiraspolul-insceneaza-explozii-ca-sa-infricoseze-populatia_3272311.html|title=Tiraspolul înscenează explozii ca să înfricoșeze populația|first=Radu|last=Pop|newspaper=Știri pe surse|date=26 March 2024|language=ro|access-date=28 March 2024|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328203442/https://www.stiripesurse.ro/tiraspolul-insceneaza-explozii-ca-sa-infricoseze-populatia_3272311.html|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Transnistria conflict}}

{{Russian invasion of Ukraine|Military}}

{{Maia Sandu}}

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Attacks

Category:2022 building bombings

Category:April 2022 crimes in Europe

Category:May 2022 crimes in Europe

Category:June 2022 crimes in Europe

Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2022

Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in Transnistria

Category:Attacks on government buildings and structures in Europe

Category:Building bombings in Europe

Category:Crime in Transnistria

Category:Explosions in 2022

Category:Grenade attacks in Europe

Category:Drone strikes

Category:Terrorist incidents in Europe in 2022

Category:Spillover of the Russian invasion of Ukraine