Russian troops have been stationed in Moldova’s separatist region of Transnistria since the end of the Soviet Union. Despite repeated Moldovan demands for withdrawal over three decades, Russia’s presence remains, which sustains regional insecurity and separatism. Though limited in size and combat capability, the contingent makes it difficult for Moldova to exercise its sovereignty and complicates the broader conflict in Ukraine. Recent political developments, including Russian attempts to destabilise Moldova prior to its 2024 and 2025 elections, have raised fears of increased Russian military influence. This e-Note sheds light on the nature and the capacity of the current Russian deployment in Transnistria.
Download e-Note 77Research line: Eurasia
Source image: © OSCE (Mikhail Evstafiev); map: www.mapchart.net – RHID; picture assembly: RHID.
e-Note 77
An Enduring Security Challenge
in the Black Sea Region:
The Russian Troops (Stuck) in Transnistria