"Russian Annexation Threat Looms Over Moldova and Transnistria, Warns ISW"

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has warned that the pro-Kremlin breakaway region of Transnistria in eastern Moldova may seek annexation by Russia as part of Putin’s plan to unite the Russian World. The region, with a long-standing Russian military presence, may call for a referendum on annexation at a congress planned for February 28. ISW suggests that Putin could potentially declare annexation during his address to the Russian Federal Assembly on February 29, although this is deemed unlikely. Moldovan officials, however, believe the situation is unlikely to worsen, possibly due to Russia's focus on its invasion of a neighboring country.