Moldova pushes for civilian mission to replace Transnistria peacekeeping troops

On the 34th anniversary of the peacekeeping operation in the Transnistria security zone, Moldovan Vice‑Premier for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri urged the replacement of the current militarised mission with a civilian international one. He argued that the presence of armed personnel and military equipment gives the false impression that the Transnistrian conflict is still active, despite the lack of actual fighting between communities on either side of the Dniester River.

The peacekeeping mission, created in July 1992 under the cease‑fire agreement signed by Moldova and Russia, is coordinated by the Joint Control Commission and involves contingents from Moldova, Russia and the self‑declared Transnistrian authorities, plus observers from Ukraine. About 400 Russian soldiers are stationed as peacekeepers, while an additional roughly 2,000 troops of the Russian Operational Group of Forces remain illegally on the left‑bank. Chiveri said a civilian mandate would better support the reintegration of the country and reflect the reality on the ground.