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Russia is urgently increasing its activity in the Transnistrian region of Moldova to divert Ukraine’s resources in response to the growing threat from this Russian enclave.
As reported by Ukrinform, a source in the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense provided the information.
Specifically, mobilization measures have been strengthened in the so-called PMR territory—reservists are being called up to the quasi-state’s military formations, and weapons are being removed from storage.
Additionally, drone production and operator training centers have been deployed in Transnistria.
The Kremlin’s active measures aim to reinforce the Russian presence in Transnistria, which Moscow uses to destabilize Moldova and create a point of tension on the border with Ukraine’s southern regions, increasing the risk of sabotage groups entering Ukrainian territory.
To achieve its objectives, Moscow is sending intelligence agents to Transnistria tasked with intensifying crises, spreading chaos through information operations, carrying out provocations, and conducting sabotage.
After Gazprom halted supplies at the beginning of 2025, Moldova’s government saved the Russian gas-dependent Transnistria from collapse—critical energy resources are now sold to the so-called PMR by Moldovagaz.
The current Kremlin focus on Transnistria marks the beginning of a Russian hybrid operation linked to the so-called “PMR presidential elections” in 2026. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, the operation aims to make Tiraspol dependent once again on free Russian gas, boost the image of pro-Russian leaders, covertly increase the Russian military presence in Transnistria, and ensure that all accumulated forces and resources are ready for military escalation when desired by Moscow.
