Transnistria asks Russian federation for protection.

 DECLARED INDEPENDENCE IN 1991

VOTED IN 2006 TO BECOME PART OF RUSSIA

Transnistria is located between the southern border of Ukraine and Moldova. It declared its independence from Moldova in 1990 and also declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. There was armed conflict with Moldova at the time that eventually ended in a ceasefire with Romania, Russia and Moldova agreeing to some negotiated peace. It has population of around 365,000 and comprises 1600 square miles. It is not recognized by the international community. Formally it has been part of Romania and Moldova and now has its own government, currency and small military. It also has a contingent of about 1500 Russian troops that were part of the peacekeeping mission in 1991. It is also noted to have a large stockpile of formally Soviet era weapons still on its territory.

In 2006 the citizens voted to become part of the Russian federation, Russia never acknowledged or agreed to this proposal. There is no land bridge connecting it to Russia.

Why this has now come to be an issue is unclear at this time. Moldova still considers this area to be part of Moldova. Some in the west have encouraged Ukraine to invade and capture the Soviet era supplies in this area. It is a small country that in effect has been independent for near 35 years, although without recognition. Is it now just more western strategy to be part of the Ukraine crisis or is Moldova being encouraged to end this independence? 

The population speaks Russia and has around 30% Russian population, with Bulgarian, Romanian and Moldavian population and others. It is in a very vulnerable position.

This week they voted in referendum to ask the Russian federation for protection from foreign attack, not being clear what the eminent danger is at this time. This proposal needs to be considered by the Russian legislature. It can be expected to be controversial no matter what the decision should be, but a refusal may insure an invasion by either Ukraine or Moldova. This  would be an effort to place Russia in an awkward position at the expense of the people of this area.