Stoltenberg: Presence of Russian Troops in Transnistria is Violation of International Law

Moldova is yet another example of how Russia deploys its troops against the will of governments of neighbouring countries, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

According to him, “The presence of Russian troops in Transnistria is a violation of the territorial integrity of Moldova.”

“This is yet another example of how Russia far too often does not respect international law and the territorial integrity of countries, including Moldova,” Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Brussels.

On 30 November, President-elect of Moldova Maia Sandu spoke in favour of a dialogue with Russia on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria.

In turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Sandu’s statements about the need to withdraw Russian troops from Transnistria irresponsible. “It is difficult to judge what Ms. Sandu meant when she stated the need to withdraw Russian peacekeepers. This is unlikely to help the settlement, and we are unlikely to be able to accept such a demand – quite irresponsible, frankly, it’s a fact,” he said.

Natalia Tolub