Ukraine's Ambassador to Moldova: Transnistria Conflict a Security Issue, But Force is Not an Option.

Statement by Ukraine's Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova

According to Novyny.live: Paun Rohovei, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Moldova, has stated that the Transnistria conflict represents a matter of security and diplomacy for Ukraine. He stressed the critical importance of a peaceful settlement and ruled out the use of force in this situation. Rohovei noted that Kyiv supports exclusively peaceful dialogue to resolve the conflict.

Russian Federation troops remain stationed in Transnistria, which, in Rohovei's view, is sufficient reason to highlight the risks associated with the situation. However, he cautioned against overestimating these risks.

"The very fact that Russian Federation troops are present in this grey zone is already grounds to speak of an existing risk. But it should not be overestimated," - Paun Rohovei

Ukraine's Position and International Support

Rohovei also emphasized that Ukraine adheres to a position of peaceful, diplomatic conflict resolution with unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. "Neither Ukraine nor the Republic of Moldova has ever had plans to resolve the Transnistrian conflict by force. We have been and remain proponents of exclusively peaceful dialogue," he underscored.

In the context of regional security, the positions of other states are also significant:

• Moldovan President Maia Sandu supports this joint policy.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also supports this policy.

Simultaneously, the European Union plans to demand that Russia withdraw its troops from Transnistria, which could significantly influence the further development of the situation. This frozen conflict, a legacy of the Soviet Union's collapse, has long been a source of regional instability.

Thus, a peaceful settlement of the conflict remains a priority for Ukraine and its partners, reflecting a shared aspiration for stability in the region. The situation in Transnistria remains tense, and Ukraine's position, along with the support of international partners, could become key factors in achieving long-term peace and security. Given the increasing attention from the European Union, further diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are likely.