Ukrainian official criticizes China for “betting on an aggressor”

On Friday, the Russian overseas ministry issued a press release warning NATO and Ukraine towards “adventurous steps” in Transnistria — a breakaway area of Moldova the place some 1,500 Russian troops are stationed.

It warned that whereas Moscow stands for utilizing “political and diplomatic means” to resolve any points, Russian forces will make sure the “safety of their compatriots” in Colbasna in Transnistria, and can “adequately reply” to any provocations from Kyiv.

“Any motion that poses a menace to their safety will likely be thought-about, in accordance with worldwide legislation, as an assault on the Russian Federation,” the assertion added.

Ukrainian officers have just lately accused Russia of plotting to destabilize Moldova. On February 13, Moldova’s President Maia Sandu echoed Ukraine’s claims and accused Russia of planning to make use of “saboteurs who’ve undergone army coaching and are disguised as civilians” to destabilize the nation.

“The statements of President Zelensky concerning the plans of the Russian Federation to destabilize the Republic of Moldova have been confirmed by our establishments,” she mentioned.

Late Thursday, the Russian protection ministry claimed that Kyiv had “intensified efforts to arrange for an invasion of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic.”

A outstanding Russian army blogger, who goes by the identify of WarGonzo, mentioned that “on condition that now we have no direct land provide to Transnistria, and that the unfriendly Moldovan authorities will most actually not permit our air power into the sky, the Russian garrison in Transnistria is now most likely in essentially the most weak place, in comparison with the place on different fronts.”

Ukraine responds: Addressing Russian accusations that it’s increase forces near the Moldovan territory, a Ukrainian State Border Service spokesperson mentioned the Ukrainian army and Nationwide Guard have taken “elevated measures on the border with Transnistria” however solely “to stop any provocations from the opposite aspect.”

“Ukraine has at all times paid consideration to Transnistria, as it’s truly an enclave of Russia, which may have been used towards our state as early as February 24 final 12 months,” mentioned the spokesperson, Andrii Demchenko.

“Luckily, we didn’t report any lively or provocative actions on this route both,” Demchenko added.

CNN’s Mariya Knight contributed to this report.