EU calls for restraint after explosions in Moldova’s breakaway region

BRUSSELS

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on Friday for all actors to avoid destabilization in the aftermath of explosions in Moldova's breakaway region Transnistria.

“The European Union calls on the responsible actors to avoid the destabilization of the situation,” Borrell said in an official statement, calling the latest incidents in Transnistria “detrimental to the security and stability of the Republic of Moldova.”

He welcomed the “restrained reactions” of the Moldovan government and reiterated the bloc’s support for the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He also reassured of the EU's continued aid for Moldova to manage the arrival of Ukrainian refugees and stepped up efforts for mid-term economic support amid Russia’s war on Ukraine.

On Tuesday, several explosions damaged a Soviet-era radio tower in Transnistria, leading to speculations that Russia would expand its military operations to Moldova.

After Moldova declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Transnistria declared its independence unilaterally.

A brief war in 1992 between Moldova and Russia-backed separatists ended with a cease-fire.

With Moscow’s support, the region continues to insist on its independence from Moldova, running a separate administration, parliament, army, police, and postal system from Chisinau.