Ukraine can “help liberate Transnistria”, but only if the official Chisinau makes such a request, said the adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Arestovych.

Ukrainian sources reminded that a number of explosions occurred on the territory of the breakaway republic of Transnistria. The building of the local state security ministry was the target of attacks with grenade launchers, while two radio transmitters broadcasting Russian radio were damaged. Furthermore, the airdrome in Tiraspol was also attacked.

“Moldova can have very serious problems in connection with the escalation caused by the Russian Federation. The most suitable step in this case is to seek help from Ukraine and Romania,” said Oleksiy Arestovych. “We have always stood by the Moldovan people and will continue doing so. Consequently, they can ask us to help them.”

Asked if Ukraine can annihilate “the Transnistrian factor”, the adviser said they can cope. “This is a territory of the sovereign Moldova. We cannot dare to make statements on the issue. If only the Moldovan side makes such a request,” stated Oleksiy Arestovych.

Bellingcat manager Christo Grozev also said that the Transnistrian factor can serve as a catalyst for aggression. He noted that the recent events could be a prelude to World War III: “It is hard to imagine that Romania, a NATO member, would ignore Russia’s attempt to attack Moldova and would not defend it.”