Sources of the British edition of The Times in Ukrainian intelligence claim that Russia has developed clear plans for an invasion of Moldova.
Ukrainian Pravda reports about this with reference to The Times and sources in the Ukrainian military leadership.
"We believe that the Kremlin has already decided to attack Moldova. What the events in Moldova will lead to will be decisive for us. If the Russians manage to seize control of the country, then we (Ukraine - ed.) from a military point of view will become more vulnerable - it will be a threat to the integrity of Ukraine. If Russia recognizes the independence of Transnistria, it will be a direct threat and violation of the territorial integrity of Moldova. This will be a repetition of the "Donbas scenario." Then they will supply a large number of weapons, and then they will want to annex it to Russia," the edition quotes a source in intelligence.
The interlocutors of the publication say that the Russian special services are considering the possibility of fanning unrest and rebellion in the country. Now there is discontent among people in the country due to rising prices.
Ukrainian intelligence noted a certain activity at the airfield of Tiraspol, the actual capital of unrecognized Transnistria.
The interlocutors of journalists suggest that the Russian military plans to land airborne assault on Il-76 transport aircraft and helicopters in Transnistria. Allegedly, planes and helicopters will fly from the airfield in the occupied Crimea.
At the same time, the authors of the publication note that these statements go contrary to the analysis of Western intelligence agencies, that the Russians do not have sufficient opportunities to safely fly over the air defense of Ukrainians in Odesa region. In addition, to supply ammunition and strengthen units, the Russians need to create a land "corridor" from the captured Kherson through Mykolaiv and Odesa regions, being subjected to attacks by Ukrainian forces.
They may try to perform the military operation closer to Victory Day on May 9. On this day, Russian President Vladimir Putin may announce Russia's recognition of the independence of Transnistria. In addition, Russian special services can plan to land in Tiraspol simultaneously with the organization of rebellions and protests in Chisinau.
Military analysts Jack Watling and Nick Reynolds of the Royal United Services Institute engaged in defense and security research believe that such an operation by Russians will have three goals:
- pull some Ukrainian troops to the southwestern front;
- stop the pro-European course of the current government in Moldova;
- scare the West that Ukraine's support for arms and finances could lead to further destabilization in the region, particularly in the Balkans.
Analysts note in the report that Ukrainian intelligence became aware of the plans of FSB Major General Dmitry Milyutin to try to use symbols of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in particular, the St. George ribbon, banned in Moldova during the protests. Allegedly, protesters must come with so many forbidden symbols that fines and arrests by Moldovan police look like a crackdown on free speech and opposition.
The authors of The Times could not confirm these data in independent sources.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, Moldova accused the Russian Federation of trying to recruit its citizens to war with Ukraine.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia could attack Moldova.
Meanwhile, the President of Moldova admitted that the country does not have a combat-ready army.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.