President Volodymyr Zelensky believes the Russian Federation is trying to destabilize the situation in the Transnistrian region, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready for a possible escalation by Russian troops in the temporarily occupied territory of the Republic of Moldova.

Answering journalists' questions after a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Kyiv, the Ukrainian Head of State said that he fully shares the assessment of the situation by Moldovan President Maia Sandu.

Volodymyr Zelensky also said that he discussed that issue with Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă who was in Kyiv on Tuesday.

"We clearly understand that this is one of the steps of the Russian Federation. The special services are working there. It's not just about fake news. The goal is obvious - to destabilize the situation in the region, to threaten Moldova. They show that if Moldova supports Ukraine, there will be certain steps," the President said.

According to him, Ukraine knows that the Russian troops, which have been present in the territory of the temporarily occupied part of Moldova - Transnistria for many years, are in constant readiness.

"But we understand their capabilities, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready for this and are not afraid of them," the Ukrainian Head of State assured.