Moldova: Concerns rise over Transnistrian militarization and Russian influence

The human rights organization Promo-LEX has released a report detailing increasing Russian ideological influence and militarization of minors in the Transnistrian region. Between July and September 2026, over 50 children aged 10 to 17 participated in activities involving drone usage, Kalashnikov assembly, and grenade throwing organized by the Black Sea Cossack Host.

The report highlights that these military training sessions are combined with ideological indoctrination, including narratives that frame the 1992 war as an aggression by the Republic of Moldova. Furthermore, Tiraspol authorities intend to introduce Russian history textbooks—developed with the participation of Vladimir Putin’s advisor, Vladimir Medinski—into schools where Ukrainian is the language of instruction. These materials reportedly contain revisionist narratives regarding the war in Ukraine.

Additional concerns include the accreditation of schools in the Russian Federation, the issuance of Russian diplomas, and the introduction of weekly ceremonies involving the hoisting of de facto administration flags and anthems. These developments are viewed by Promo-LEX as a concerted effort to distance the region's youth from the educational and cultural space of the Republic of Moldova.

Separately, Moldovan Vice-Premier for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri stated that constitutional authorities do not exclude the possibility of granting a special status to the Transnistrian region, describing the integration process as gradual.