Publication

This paper analyzes the status of Transnistria through the lenses of Ukraine’s faceoff with pro-Russian separatists in Donbass. The text’s author specifically explains 1) how Russia helped Transnistria break away from Moldova to become a de facto and little recognized ‘statelet’; 2) how Moscow uses the ersatz state to exert influence over Moldova and Ukraine; and 3) the critical role that Transnistria plays in defending Russia's geopolitical interests in several European sub-regions. The author closes the analysis by suggesting ways NATO should manage the Transnistria problem and assist Moldova to reform its defense, security and intelligence sectors.