Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga stated that resolving the Transnistrian issue requires the withdrawal of Russian troops, which he called a destabilizing factor, and replacing the current “5+2” negotiation format with a more effective mechanism.
“Russia must fulfill its obligations from the 1999 OSCE Istanbul summit and withdraw its troops from Transnistria. I am convinced the War on the Dniester was artificially provoked and continues to be fueled by the Kremlin to maintain influence over Moldova, Ukraine, and the region,” Sibiga told TVR Moldova.
He added that this step would create conditions for constructive negotiations on the reintegration of Transnistria and its status within Moldova. “From our perspective, the ‘5+2’ format, with the participation of the aggressor country, is absolutely inefficient. We need a viable and efficient mechanism,” he said.
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Ukrainian Ambassador to Chisinau Paul Rohovoy has repeatedly emphasized that resolving the Transnistrian conflict must respect Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and align with its European integration process. On 15 April 2025, he said, “Moldova will have full support from Ukraine. The ‘5+2’ format, including Russia, has proven dysfunctional. So, the EU’s role in the settlement should be strengthened. These negotiations should restore Moldova’s territorial integrity and demilitarize Transnistria.”
Meanwhile, Tiraspol, with Russian backing, insists that returning to the “5+2” format remains the only path to resolving the dispute.