Russian Foreign Ministry warns US, NATO, Ukraine against 'reckless steps' in Transnistria

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Russian Foreign Ministry warned the US, NATO, and Ukraine against "reckless steps" in Transnistria amid an alleged deployment of the Ukrainian troops in the region in battle order.

In a statement on its official website, the diplomatic service with a link to the Defense Ministry's data said Ukraine has accumulated a significant number of personnel, military equipment, and artillery in firing positions on the Ukrainian-Transnistria border, "unprecedentedly" increased flights of its drones over the territory of Transnistria.

"We warn the US, NATO member countries, and their Ukrainian wards from the next reckless steps," the ministry stressed.

Moscow consistently advocates for resolving any issues through political and diplomatic means, however, "no one should have any doubts" that the Russian army "will adequately respond" to the provocation and will ensure the protection of its compatriots, the Russian peacekeeping contingent, the servicemen of the Operational Group of Russian troops, and military depots in the locality of Cobasna in Transnistria, it emphasized.

"Any actions that pose a threat to their security will be considered in accordance with international law as an attack on the Russian Federation," the ministry said.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday claimed that Ukraine is preparing an "armed provocation" against Transnistria, an unrecognized breakaway region internationally recognized as part of Moldova.

The statement claimed that an offensive against Russian troops in the breakaway region is planned to be staged, with Ukrainian forces allegedly being dressed in the uniform of the Russian Armed Forces.

In response, the Moldovan government said in a statement that authorities do not confirm the claims made by the Russian Defense Ministry.