1989-1992

Conflict between Moldova and Transnistria

The conflict between Moldova and Transnistria begins in 1989, with the language issue being the main reason. During the “Perestroika,” nationalist movements spread throughout the Soviet republics. The Popular Front of Moldova is formed in Moldova. Representatives of this movement hold thousands of anti-Soviet and anti-Russian slogans in Chisinau. One of the main requirements is the introduction of a single state language – Moldovan.

On August 1, 1992, the hot phase of the Transnistrian war ends in Moldova. It lasted throughout the spring and summer of 1992, with major battles taking place in Dubossary and Bender. The decisive role in the war was played by the 14th Army of Russia, commanded by Major General Alexander Lebed. In fact, he officially dragged Russia into the conflict, and Moldova even appealed to the UN because of “Russia’s open aggression.”

The Transnistrian issue has not been settled for almost 30 years.

With President Maya Sandu coming to power in 2020, the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict may move from a stalemate. In one of her first speeches, she called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Transnistria and replace them with OSCE representatives. Sandu also aimed to restore good-neighborly relations with Ukraine, which were destroyed under former pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, who actually recognized Crimea as Russian territory. However, Russian troops remain there to this day.