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Russian Official Says Russians in Moldova's Transdniestria Under Threat
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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Sergei Shoigu warns that the safety of around 150,000–220,000 Russian citizens in Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria is under threat amid escalating tensions, pledging that Moscow will take any necessary steps to protect them. Diplomatic talks are stalled as Chisinau tightens restrictions and pursue
Russia Vows to Protect Citizens Amid Threats in Moldova's Transdniestria
Escalating Tensions and Russia's Response in Transdniestria
Current Threats to Russian Citizens
MOSCOW, April 21 (Reuters) - The safety of Russian citizens in Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region is currently under threat and Moscow will take all steps to protect them, Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia's powerful Security Council, was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Background of the Transdniestria Conflict
Pro-Russia Transdniestria broke from Moldova before the collapse of Soviet rule and, after a brief war in 1992, has existed in peace alongside the post-Soviet state for more than three decades. Moldova's pro-European authorities have recently been applying greater pressure on the separatist enclave.
Statements from Russian Officials
Shoigu, interviewed by the Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda, said Moscow was ready to use any means to protect Russian nationals in the sliver of land bordering Ukraine.
Concerns Over Citizens' Safety
"It must not be forgotten that more than 220,000 Russian citizens live in Transdniestria. Their interests and safety are now under threat due to the ill-considered and irresponsible actions of Kyiv and Chisinau," Shoigu told the daily.
"If the need arises, Russia will take all necessary steps and use all available methods to protect them under the constitution. You mustn't rule anything out, and we are considering all possible scenarios, even those that are most unlikely."
Russia, he said, hoped "that things will not develop according to the most negative of scenarios".
Recent Developments in Moldova-Transdniestria Relations
Failed Negotiations and Ongoing Disputes
Negotiators from Moldova and Transdniestria failed to make any progress at their latest meeting last week aimed at edging towards a settlement of the separatist conflict.
Transdniestria objects to Moldova's decision last week barring entry to commanders of a 1,500-strong contingent of Russian "peacekeepers" that has stood between the two sides since 1992. It also rejects the Chisinau government's plan to extend customs duties and value added tax to the rebel region.
Moldova's European Ambitions
Moldovan President Maia Sandu wants to take her country, one of the poorest in Europe, into the European Union by 2030 and says the process can be accomplished even without a resolution of the Transdniestria dispute.
Accusations and Prospects for Resolution
Russian Accusations Against Moldova
In his comments to Komsomolskaya Pravda, Shoigu accused Moldova of blocking talks on a settlement and hindering the region's residents from voting in elections and a 2024 referendum in which residents narrowly backed joining the EU.
Possibility of a Settlement
But he said an agreement to resolve the separatist issue was not out of the question.
"Nothing is impossible. You need good will and conditions," he was quoted as saying. "But you get the impression that Chisinau is doing everything so that there is no will for reunification or proper conditions for it to happen."
(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov and Ron Popeski, Writing by Anna PeverieriEditing by Gareth Jones and Andrea Ricci )
Key Takeaways
- •Russian officials claim that 150,000–220,000 Russian citizens live in Transdniestria and their safety is threatened, prompting Moscow to consider all protection measures. (en.wikipedia.org)
- •Negotiations between Moldova and Transdniestria have made no progress recently, as Moldova bars Russian peacekeeper entry and imposes taxes, while pursuing EU accession by 2030. (wsau.com)
- •The EU has asked for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transdniestria and continues to support Moldova’s reform and integration path toward EU membership. (enlargement.ec.europa.eu)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian official says Russians in Moldova's Transdniestria under threat
1Why does Russia say its citizens in Transdniestria are under threat?
Russia claims that over 220,000 Russian citizens in Transdniestria face threats due to actions by Moldova and Ukraine, including increased political and economic pressure.
2What steps is Russia prepared to take to protect Russians in Transdniestria?
Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated that Moscow will take all necessary steps, considering all scenarios, to protect Russian nationals in the region.
3What recent actions by Moldova have escalated tensions with Transdniestria?
Moldova recently barred entry to Russian peacekeeper commanders and plans to extend customs duties and VAT to Transdniestria, increasing pressure on the enclave.
4Is a settlement between Moldova and Transdniestria possible?
Shoigu believes a settlement is not impossible but criticizes Moldova for hampering negotiations, stating good will and favorable conditions are needed for progress.
5How does Moldova's EU ambitions impact the Transdniestria conflict?
Moldovan President Maia Sandu aims to join the European Union by 2030, suggesting the process can proceed even without resolving the Transdniestria dispute.
