The key facts
- Putin said that Transnistria is developing steadily despite external pressure
- In September, Vadim Krasnoselsky allowed for a new referendum on the condition of international recognition of its results
- In the 2006 referendum, 96.62% voted for integration with Russia, but it had no legal consequences
Putin's statement on Transnistria
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a ceremony presenting state awards and prizes for contributions to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation, gave a positive assessment of the situation in Transnistria. According to him, despite difficult conditions and attempts at external pressure, the republic is developing steadily, and its residents of different nationalities together defend their rights and interests, protect historical truth, and safeguard the Russian language. The quote is cited with reference to the Kremlin's website, and his remarks are reported by Gazeta.Ru.
Context: the referendum question and Chisinau's position
The statement came amid recent discussions about the region's status. In September, the leader of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Vadim Krasnoselsky allowed for the possibility of holding a new referendum on the question of self-determination, while emphasizing that a key condition for holding it is the readiness of all international actors to recognize the result of the vote. The precedent is considered to be the 2006 referendum, when, according to reported figures, 96.62% of participants voted for integration with the Russian Federation, but this decision had no official legal consequences. Earlier, the President of Moldova spoke sharply about the Russian troops in Transnistria.
