An unsanctioned rally for Russia took place in Transnistria
Several dozen people came out in Tiraspol with Russian flags for a rally in support of Russia and its actions in Ukraine. People gathered in the city center, on Suvorov Square. People chanted “Russia, Russia!”, “We are proud of Russia”, etc.
The rally was not sanctioned by the authorities, but the security forces monitoring it treated the gathering calmly. Since the beginning of the events in Ukraine, the Transnistrian leadership has taken a demonstratively neutral stance, repeatedly declaring that it does not intend to threaten Kyiv. This may have been done to avoid provoking Ukrainian radicals. However, it should not be forgotten that a significant portion of the Transnistrian economy is oriented toward the European Union.
Calls to gather were spread the day before on social networks and chats popular among Pridnestrovians. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Transnistria stated that the organization of the rally was a provocation from outside the republic.
“The organizers of the false rally are not in Transnistria. In this very unstable time, they see that the situation in the republic is calm. The goal is to provoke a spontaneous crowd and get a reaction abroad, creating an image of Pridnestrovie that allegedly poses a threat to the region,” the press center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported, noting that “people of various nationalities live in Pridnestrovie, and the organizers of the rally are trying to create a rift between them.”
Opinions regarding the rally were divided on social networks. Some see nothing wrong with allowing people to speak out regarding important events that, by and large, concern Pridnestrovie, while others called for vigilance and caution.
Political scientist Andrei Safonov, a member of parliament from the ruling party, wrote in the "Pridnestrovie Online" group: "Our enemies want to set up the PMR. But we will not fall into an ambush ."
Opponents of the rally also named another reason:
“We now have a lot of nervous citizens of a foreign country in our city. Among them there are many men of strong physique. Are you bored?" – wrote opponents of the rally.
It should be noted that residents of Ukraine who are forced to leave are now being accepted in Transnistria.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic, from February 25 to March 6, 5857 citizens of the neighboring country were helped in the cities of the PMR: some found shelter with relatives, friends or even caring strangers, others settled in comfortable temporary accommodation centers for foreign citizens operating in Dnestrovsk , Tiraspol, Rybnitsa, Dubossary and Kamenka. Volunteers collect clothes, food, and hygiene products for those arriving from Ukraine; many people respond to the call to help.
The situation in the republic remains calm; there have been no noticeable incidents involving those arriving from Ukraine, although some of the guests are not at all friendly.
An unsanctioned rally for Russia took place in Transnistria.