The de facto leader of the Transnistrian region Vadim Krasnoselski has denied reports of Ukrainian troops having crossed the border and of an en masse evacuation operation taking place in this connection.

This comes after appeals spread by unknown people pretending to represent the authorities called for the population to grab their papers and belongings and gather in Tiraspol’s central square for an emergency evacuation.

Krasnoselski dismissed the reports as “an ordinary provocation”, adding that the situation in the area remains “stable and under control”.

He also reiterated Tiraspol’s openness to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes because of “the tragic circumstances”.