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In March 2024, Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova under Russia’s influence for over 30 years, appealed to Moscow for help, fearing Moldovan attempts to regain control. While Russia has warned that any use of force would be seen as an attack against the Russian Federation, some nevertheless believe that the war in Ukraine has provided Moldova with a prime opportunity to reassert sovereignty over Transnistria. But could Moldova really be planning to retake Transnistria by force? The Republic of Moldova, once known as Bessarabia, is a landlocked nation bordered by Ukraine and Romania. Emerging from the former Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic after the end of the Cold War, it is predominantly Romanian-speaking. However, at the same time, Transnistria declared independence in 1990 as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR). This led to a short conflict followed by a ceasefire and Russian military presence. Despite international efforts, the conflict remains unresolved due to political and economic interests, including Russia's desire to maintain regional influence. However, Moldova's recent EU candidacy and the shift in military dynamics in Ukraine have shifted the focus to Moldova's potential to retake Transnistria. But is this likely? *MY NEW BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:42 Reasserting Sovereignty over De Facto States 03:04 A Short History of Moldova 04:26 Moldova and the Emergence of the Transnistrian Issue 05:56 Efforts to Resolve the Transnistria Issue 06:55 Moldova, Transnistria and the Ukraine War 08:21 Is Moldova Plannign to Retake Transnistria? 10:08 Could Moldova Invade Transnistria? 11:47 Political Arguments Against Military Action *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Moldova | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Moldova | National Army YouTube Russia | Ministry of Foreign Affairs OSCE Mission to Moldova | Transdniestrian Conflict Resolution Moldavian SSR | 1989 Language Law *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAP CONTENT* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Moldova #Transnistria #Russia
