‘Blocked on both sides’: Transnistria residents fear for future

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00:00 This checkpoint leads to Transnistria.

00:03 The pro-Russian Moldovan region unilaterally declared its independence in 1991.

00:09 Now its authorities are asking Russia and the United Nations for economic protection.

00:14 They accuse Moldova of economic pressure after the introduction of a new customs tax.

00:19 "Our authorities are saying that Moldova doesn't compromise, that it is blocking our

00:26 trucks and not letting them pass.

00:29 That's what's happening and our economy is suffering a lot because of it."

00:38 Residents from Transnistria regularly come to Varnitsa for medical care or groceries.

00:44 After the invasion of Ukraine, some fear for the future of their region.

00:49 "The situation isn't very good in Transnistria.

00:53 The region is blocked on both sides, Moldova on one side and Ukraine on the other.

00:58 If Transnistria unites with Russia, the consequences will be bad for Transnistria."

01:06 Russian troops are present in Transnistria as part of a peacekeeping mission following

01:11 a conflict in 1992 between the separatist region and Moldova.

01:16 Ever since, Transnistrians have been living in peace with their neighbours.

01:20 "We are not scared.

01:22 Everything is good here.

01:24 There is nothing to say.

01:25 We have our brothers there.

01:27 We have brothers and cousins here as well."

01:30 Moldovan authorities believe Taraspo's accusations are the result of Russian propaganda.

01:36 The government says there is no immediate security threat in Transnistria.

01:40 "There are 1,800 soldiers led by Russia.

01:45 There is the so-called Transnistrian army.

01:48 There are militias and an impressive ammunition stock in Kobasno.

01:53 We can't say we are fully out of danger.

01:57 But the situation is not spectacular nor extremely dangerous.

02:01 But in any case, we have to take into account all the potential dangers coming from this

02:06 region."

02:07 Chichinho now wants to reintegrate Transnistria into the country's economy.

02:12 In December, Moldova started negotiations to join the European Union.

02:16 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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