Russia vows to shield its citizens in Transdniestria amid Moldova tensions

Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Moscow will protect more than 220,000 Russian citizens in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transdniestria and could use all available means to do so, in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda. The comments come as Moldova applies pressure on Transdniestria and EU membership talks stall, with Russia signaling readiness to consider various scenarios.