The presence of Russian troops in Transnistria remains a security risk for Ukraine, while a just and lasting peace could open the door to Moldova’s reintegration, Ukraine’s ambassador to Chișinău, Paun Rohovei, has said.
Speaking on Realitatea TV’s “Rezoomat” programme, the diplomat stressed that Ukraine’s immediate priority is ending the war, but the outcome could also have implications for the future of the Transnistrian region.
Asked whether the Transnistrian issue remains on Kyiv’s agenda amid possible peace negotiations, Rohovei gave a clear answer.
“Ukraine’s agenda is peace in Ukraine,” the ambassador said, emphasising that any settlement must be both just and lasting.
According to Rohovei, ending the war under these conditions could create favourable circumstances for the reintegration of the Republic of Moldova.
The diplomat also confirmed that the presence of Russian military personnel on the left bank of the Dniester poses a security risk to Ukraine. However, he called for a measured assessment of the threat, noting that slightly more than 1,000 Russian troops are believed to be stationed in the region.
Rohovei compared the presence of military personnel outside the control of the constitutional authorities to the danger posed by an armed individual, while warning against exaggerating the scale of the Russian military presence in Transnistria.