RIA News Agency:
Politicians, experts, and journalists in Chisinau are increasingly saying that the process of reintegration of Pridnestrovie has begun and is inevitable. What does Tiraspol think about this? Is there really progress in this process?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
As we can see, misleading the international community can last for quite some time. However, the problem of normalizing relations between Moldova and Pridnestrovie has remained unresolved for 35 years in reality despite vigorous propaganda from Chisinau. Moreover, the number of problems has not only increased exponentially, but they have become critical thanks to the efforts of the Moldovan leadership in recent years. As a result, the profound conceptual differences in the identity of the peoples of Moldova and Pridnestrovie have now become obvious even to the European Union.
It's impossible to completely halt the negotiation process with Pridnestrovie and achieve success in resolving the conflict by intimidating Pridnestrovian citizens, using illegitimate financial extortion, deporting entire families, and other methods of violating human rights and freedoms. This is precisely what Chisinau is doing today.
If we look at the situation soberly without propaganda, we can see that the chasm between the two banks of the Dniester is actually only growing. What progress can we talk about if there is no real dialogue? The "5+2" format has been ineffective for many years. Chisinau categorically refuses direct interaction at the senior leadership level, as well as its obligations under previously signed agreements.
Contacts at the level of political representatives and expert groups cannot be called dialogue. The Moldovan representative openly admitted that he has no mandate to make decisions and that Moldova will not conclude any agreements with Pridnestrovie. Chisinau is ignoring our rational proposals and has no intention of making any decisions in the interests of the people, it seems. The Moldovan side uses the current unproductive meetings solely to mislead external donors by feigning a semblance of stability in the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian settlement.
The dialogue has been deteriorating for years and the civilized settlement process has been frozen precisely because of Chisinau's destructive approaches in reality. A rather explosive situation has now emerged, where one of the parties to the negotiation process, with the tacit consent of some international mediators has abandoned diplomacy and dialogue in favor of blackmail, threats, and pressure. This is causing problems to snowball. If Moldovan-Pridnestrovian relations continue to develop in the same direction, the consequences will be catastrophic.
RIA News Agency:
Moldovan officials continue to claim that representatives of Pridnestrovie are not in any danger in Chisinau. Therefore, they insist that the negotiators' meetings be held on Moldovan territory and are focusing on discussing the functioning of the convergence fund. Is Tiraspol prepared for negotiations under these conditions?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
Who initially destroyed the previously existing order of priority for meetings in the negotiation process? Wasn't it Moldova, which rejected the agreement on the movement of officials from both sides, concluded under the guarantee of the Head of the OSCE Mission firstly, and secondly adopted the so-called law on separatism? It seems foolish after this to speculate on this topic and claim that representatives of Pridnestrovie are supposedly not in any danger. This is patently untrue, given that Pridnestrovians in Moldova are systematically subjected to unjustified detentions, interrogations, and attempted recruitment. There are even cases of our citizens being deported, thus depriving them of the opportunity to return home to permanent residence. This is a gross violation of fundamental human rights.
If the Moldovan side wants to restore the previous practice of meetings on its territory, we have no objections. Just start by repealing the repressive provisions in your criminal code, which threaten every resident of Pridnestrovie. However, Chisinau stubbornly clings to this instrument of politicized persecution of Pridnestrovians, even despite criticism from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the European Commission. Regarding the so-called convergence fund, the only thing that needs to be discussed is the repeal of this discriminatory decision, which has only one goal as with customs duties: to fleece businesses and the population of Pridnestrovie.
If Moldova is truly committed to the interests and well-being of its people, I propose focusing on the Pridnestrovian initiative for joint, barrier-free economic cooperation, which I conveyed during my meetings with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and Deputy Director of the European External Action Service Audronė Perkauskiene. We are ready to discuss any realistic proposals that are aimed not at impoverishing citizens, but at improving their living conditions and quality of life.
RIA News Agency:
Moldovan President Maia Sandu recently stated that the issue of Pridnestrovie and the withdrawal of Russian troops could be raised in possible negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, and that EU representatives would also raise the topic. What is Tiraspol's position on this matter?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
You know, I've long observed similar sentiments among the Moldovan leadership: that nothing needs to be done, that someone will come and resolve the conflict for Chisinau at some point. Of course, the role of international mediators is important; no one denies that. First and foremost, resolving the conflict is the responsibility of its direct participants. This is responsibility to our peoples, to the international community.
Besides, how do they imagine this: that, for example, the EU or anyone else would just decide something for Pridnestrovie and Moldova without their participation? This is nonsense from every perspective. The rights and interests of the Pridnestrovian people must be protected by Pridnestrovian negotiators, just as the rights and interests of the Moldovan people must be protected by Moldovan negotiators. This is why the negotiation process exists, with its negotiating mechanisms and platforms, a vast legal framework, and a comprehensive agenda. We don't need to start from scratch; we can and must sit down and work for the benefit of our citizens, moving step by step toward a final settlement. Where there's a will, there's no need to wait for anyone.
RIA News Agency:
The lower house of the Romanian parliament automatically approved recently a law-in-draft on unification with Moldova. What could the implementation of this law-in-draft lead to? How might it impact the situation in Pridnestrovie?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
If this or a similar law-in-draft comes into force, it will merely legally codify the situation that exists de facto. Moldova's integration into Romania has been underway for some time: in the economy, energy, military development, culture and education, and other areas. Moldovan leaders themselves, including the highest-ranking officials, have stated that they would vote "yes" in a hypothetical referendum on unification. Of course, if the so-called unification process is formalized, it will create entirely new conditions for the entire regional space, including for the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian settlement.
RIA News Agency:
Officials in Chisinau are saying that Moldova will begin producing drones on its territory. The militarization process continues, a military base is being built, and EU countries continue to supply armored vehicles to the Moldovan army. What do you think this could lead to in the context of a non-political standoff? Are the risks and threats to Pridnestrovie increasing?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
Moldova could invest in its own security through dialogue, trust-building, and strict adherence to agreements. This would serve the interests of the populations on both banks of the Dniester. However, we see a surge in unmotivated military activity in Moldova instead. I say unmotivated because none of Moldova's neighbors poses a threat to it, including Pridnestrovie, of course. This path has been chosen for some reason. Naturally, we are closely monitoring what is happening. We are seeing the emergence of new military equipment, the development of military infrastructure, and other measures.
When one of the parties to an unresolved conflict begins to rapidly arm itself and effectively abandons the neutral status enshrined in its own constitution, this naturally raises serious questions and concerns. This is especially true since Chisinau has already used weapons against Pridnestrovie. Just recently, we commemorated the anniversary of the tragedy in Bendery, when Moldovan authorities, orchestrated a massive military and police invasion of a peaceful Pridnestrovian city under the guise of negotiations.
I consider the main achievement of the negotiation process over the past decades has been that we have maintained peace. There were difficult periods, serious disagreements, but people didn't hear gunshots, children went to school, and families lived their normal lives. I'm sure for the residents of our neighboring country as well, this is the greatest treasure for us. Therefore, when Moldova began rapidly militarizing, we proposed signing a Declaration of Commitment to Peaceful Methods of Settlement. This is a very brief document with the main idea of resolving all contentious issues at the negotiating table. This would have sent an important signal to people in both Pridnestrovie and Moldova. However, the Moldovan side never agreed to sign the Declaration. This was a rather telling moment in my opinion.
One hopes that common sense will prevail and that none of Moldova's political leaders will ever again consider turning weapons against the peaceful Pridnestrovian people. Nevertheless, the ongoing processes once again demonstrate the undeniable truth: the only reliable guarantee of maintaining peace in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic has been and remains the peacekeeping operation on the Dniester under the auspices of Russia.
RIA News Agency:
President Vladimir Putin simplified by his decree the process of issuing Russian citizenship to residents of Pridnestrovie. A substantial queue has formed. Why do you think Pridnestrovians are now seeking Russian citizenship?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
Over 50000 applications for Russian citizenship were registered in the first month after the decree was signed indeed. This once again demonstrates the timeliness and relevance of the decision by the President of the Russian Federation. We expected such an influx of applications, as Russia has historically held a special place in the life of Pridnestrovie. Many families in Pridnestrovie have relatives in Russia. Many studied there, worked there, and maintain regular contact. For a significant number of people, Russian citizenship is a natural extension of these ties.
Of course, such a large influx of applicants requires appropriate organization. We are taking every possible measure to make the document processing process for citizens as expeditious and convenient as possible in cooperation with the Russian side.
RIA News Agency:
The Russian cultural center in Chisinau is scheduled to close very soon. A proposal was made to open a Russian House in Tiraspol recently. What other prospects do you see for developing cultural ties between Pridnestrovie and Russia?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
Cultural ties between Pridnestrovie and Russia have deep historical roots. Our region was part of the Russian Empire nearly two hundred years, then the Soviet Union. Cultural and humanitarian dialogue continued and deepened even after the collapse of the USSR.
The preservation of the Russian language, traditions, and historical memory is deeply respected in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. This is a vital element of identity and even everyday life for our people. Therefore, the prospects for cooperation in this area are extremely broad. This includes cultural exchanges, joint educational programs, support for young talent, and developing contacts with Russian regions. Working with young people is especially important. Russia has a rich cultural heritage, and Pridnestrovie is interested in developing these ties.
RIA News Agency:
They say in Moldova that the Pridnestrovian economy is in deep crisis. As an example, they cite the fact that streetlights are being turned off at night in cities of Pridnestrovie, and the parliament is extending the state of emergency in the economy. What is actually happening in economy of Pridnestrovie and energy sector?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, President of the PMR:
Predictions were made in Moldova throughout last year that Pridnestrovie would collapse by the end of the month, the end of the quarter, or even the end of the year. This was not only part of an information war against our population, designed to convince them that all is bad, that there are no prospects, and thereby sow doubts about the chosen course of independent development in their own state. It is also clear evidence that there is still a lack of understanding of the Pridnestrovian people, how they live, their identity, aspirations, and values.
Of course, the situation is grave; we make no secret of it. Pridnestrovie continues to suffer the negative impact of the energy crisis, as well as the blockade imposed by neighboring Moldova, which has deprived Pridnestrovie of tens of millions of dollars in tariffs alone since January 1, 2024.
Last year's results showed a significant decline in industrial production, exports, and GDP. Budget revenues have fallen significantly. We are forced under these circumstances to adjust expenditures and reduce funds and development programs. These are necessary measures, but I am confident they are temporary. Our most important priority now is to maintain the stability of the social sector, so incoming revenues are prioritized for the payment of salaries, pensions, and benefits.
I would like to thank our society, which not only understands the current difficulties but has also demonstrated a willingness to contribute to overcoming them. More than 3500 organizations and citizens of the republic contributed to its funding when the government launched the initiative to create the "Together" Social Support Fund. To date, the fund has received almost 150 million Pridnestrovian rubles. These funds are used to pay social pensions, compensation, and benefits, to purchase food and medicine for social and medical institutions, and for other humanitarian purposes. This has helped alleviate the situation and expanded the authorities' ability to combat the crisis. This is the essence of the Pridnestrovian people and the Pridnestrovian character.