The Times: Russia is ready to invade Moldova

The daily British newspaper The Times reports that Russia has developed a plan to invade Moldova and is preparing an attack in the near future.

Edition writes that Vladimir Putin has already made the appropriate decision, as there are “a number of indicators” that indicate the possibility of an attack in the near future:

“A successful capture will result in Russian troops being able to launch an offensive against Odessa from the west.”

According to a Ukrainian intelligence source cited by The Times, Tiraspol, the “capital” of Transnistria, is already preparing an airfield to receive Russian Il-76s. Technically, the newspaper notes, they can attack by airborne assault from the Crimea.

Military training has been announced in Transnistria, but the decision on it was made even before the April 25 explosions. Israel called on its citizens to leave Moldova as soon as possible.

Recently, there have been numerous assumptions and discussions about the possible inclusion of Transnistria in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. In Tiraspol, they are preparing for attacks from Ukraine, and in Kyiv they say that the “MRT authorities” can open a “second front” on the side of Russia.

Our publication reported that attempts are being made to open new front of tension and a potential war in Transnistria, where two explosions took place in close proximity to a Russian-controlled military base, destroying communications towers. Western media were quick to accept the view that targets were hit in Moldova, but Transnistria, after a brief civil conflict, seceded from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union back in 1990. Since then, the area has been controlled by 1,500 Russian military forces. After the aggravation of the situation, Moldovan President Maia Sandu convened a meeting of the Security Council.

Later in Moldova declaredthat the positions of Chisinau and Tiraspol are drawing closer. “Today I can say that in fact the dialogue has become more constructive. I cannot say that it is more positive and that a bright future is expected, but I can assure you that today the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol avoids increasing risks within the country,” – said Nikolai Tsvyatkov, deputy director of the Reintegration Policy Bureau.

At the same time, the authors of The Times article note that the assertions of an imminent invasion of Moldova contradict the analysis of Western intelligence agencies, that the Russians do not have sufficient capabilities to safely fly over the air defense of the Odessa region. In addition, in order to supply ammunition and strengthen units, the Russians need a land “corridor” from the occupied Kherson through the Nikolaev and Odessa regions.

According to the publication, a military operation is possible closer to May 9, when Russian President Vladimir Putin may announce the recognition of the independence of Transnistria by the Russian Federation. The authors do not rule out that the Russians may be planning a landing in Tiraspol at the same time as organizing riots and protests in Chisinau.

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