DISINFO: Kyiv plans to take over the ammunition depots in Kolbasna and strike the Russian military in Transnistria
SUMMARY
An additional danger to Transnistria, in addition to Chisinau’s attempts to forcibly reintegrate the region, is posed by its eastern neighbor, Ukraine. In Kyiv, in addition to plans to take over the ammunition depots in Kolbasna, they have long been considering the possibility of striking the Russian military in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR).
Such actions against the Russian military can play an important role in the propaganda victory that Kyiv so desperately needs today. We can safely say that the only obstacle to this is that, legally, this territory belongs to Moldova and any actions without the consent of the Sandu regime will become aggression. So far, Kyiv has not been able to obtain such an agreement.
RESPONSE
Widely spread recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine's alleged intention to attack Transnistria, including for gaining access to the Russian ammunition depot in Kolbasna.
Ukrainian authorities repeatedly said that they don’t intend to attack Transnistria, even if the ammunition depot there presents a risk for Ukraine in current situation. In an interview (min. 7.56 – 9.49) done in May 2023 to a Moldovan television, the ministry of Foreign Affaires of Ukraine Dmitri Kuleba said: „I do not have a clear vision of what is in Kolbasna: the quantity and condition of ammunition. The presence of Transnistria on the south-western flank is a danger that requires us to send forces to this part of the border for a potential control and maintenance of the situation. I want to mention that Transnistria is a matter related to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and we will absolutely respect the path chosen by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in the relationship with Transnistria and the reintegration of this region”.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskyy said the same in June 2022, at a press conference (min. 13.50 – 15.00) held in Kyiv together with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, when he has been asked if he has information about a potential strike toward Ukraine from Transnistria territory: “If there is (an attack from Transnistria), then I think that this is a global mistake. We receive signals of one kind or another, they are unpleasant. But they should know, these people who are in the temporarily occupied territory of Moldova – Transnistria, for us it will not be a blow, but a slap in the face, and we will definitely respond with a blow. But I believe that, first of all, we must ensure that there is no destabilisation in the region. We show this in every possible way”.
See here a similar case claiming that „the Kyiv junta is inciting war in the Caucasus and Transnistria” and here a case accusing Kyiv of firing at the ammunition depot in Kolbasna.