Moldova Declares Russian Troop Commanders Persona Non Grata

Moldova has declared senior Russian military officials in Transnistria persona non grata. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Cars wait in line at the Bender crossing point between the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria and Moldova on March 1, 2024. Pro-Russian rebel officials in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria on February 28, 2024 appealed to Russia for "protection", amid fears the territory could become a new flashpoint in Moscow's conflict with neighbouring Ukraine. (Photo by Daniel MIHAILESCU / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Moldova has declared senior commanders of the Russian military contingent stationed in the breakaway Transnistria region persona non grata, according to Moldovan outlet TV8 on Thursday, April 16. The decision targets leadership of the Operational Group of Russian Forces (OGRF), including its commander Dmitry Zelenkov and several senior officers. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to the report, the move effectively restricts the officers’ movement beyond Transnistria, with any attempt to leave the region potentially resulting in expulsion and a permanent entry ban. The Russian troop presence in Transnistria dates back to the remnants of the Soviet 14th Army, which supported separatist forces during the 1992 conflict. The contingent is estimated to number around 1,200 personnel. Moldovan authorities have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition from its territory, describing their presence as illegal and a violation of national sovereignty. In December 2025, a Kyiv Post intelligence source said Russia is rapidly boosting mobilization, drone production and covert operations in Transnistria to destabilize Moldova and raise the threat to Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) also said that drone production and training centers for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators have already been established in the region. The current focus of the Kremlin on Transnistria, according to HUR, marks the start of a Russian hybrid operation linked to the planned 2026 “presidential elections” in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR). Other Topics of Interest ‘No Safe Rear’: Azov Says All Russian Targets Around Donetsk Will Be Destroyed Azov Corps says its drones now control Russian logistics routes around Donetsk, warning that all military targets on those routes will be destroyed. HUR said the operation is designed to put Tiraspol back on free Russian gas, and raise the profile of pro-Russian leaders Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.