Tensions over Moldova separatist region
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A series of incidents in the breakaway territory of Transnistria has raised fears that the Ukraine conflict could spread to Moldova
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TRANSNISTRIA FACTFILE
 
Split from Moldova in 1991-92 war, amid collapse of Soviet Union. Self-declared independent state is not recognised internationally
  
Referendum in 2006 saw 97.2% vote in favour of joining Russia
  
Separatist region permanently hosts estimated 1,500 Russian “peacekeeping” troops
  
Population: 470,000
  
Area: 4,000 sq km

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Dniester River
UKRAINE
Kolbasna 
Mayak
Tiraspol
Izmail
Transnistria
MOLDOVA
Chisinau
Iasi
ROMANIA
Odesa
BLACK SEA
         
50km 30 miles                                                   ---------------------------------------------
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
Apr 25-27, 2022: Tr
ansnistria officials claim series of incidents:

Explosions hit state security HQ in Tiraspol. Separatist authorities blame Ukrainian “infiltrators”
  
Blasts at Mayak radio centre damage Soviet-era masts used to broadcast Russian news
  
Attack on military unit in village of Parcani, just outside Tiraspol
  
Shots fired from Ukraine towards Kolbasna village, location of large Russian arms depot
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Russia could use flare-up of tensions as pretext for invasion. If Russia reinforces Transnistria, it might then move on Ukraine’s key port city of Odesa
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Sources: AFP, BBC   © GRAPHIC NEWS