Today marks the 25th anniversary of Russia’s peacekeeping mission in Transnistria, the breakaway Moldovan region that claims to be an independent country, but is not recognized as such by any United Nations member state.
Transnistria is back in the news now as Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin tried to visit Moldova to mark the anniversary of Russia’s military mission in Transnistria. A combination of efforts of multiple governments in the region, particularly Romania, stopped Rogozin from attending festivities this weekend. Romania barred Rogozin’s plane from entering its airspace, and the aircraft had to reroute and land in Minsk, Belarus.
So what is this country that may or may not exist?
During the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was concern among Russians and Russian speakers living in the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Repulblic that Moldova would reunite with Romania. In 1990, a war broke out between Russian-backed Transnistrian forces and Moldova. Fighting lasted for nearly two years, and it ended with Transnistria essentially breaking away from Moldova but becoming a frozen conflict. Russia has kept troops stationed in Transnistria on a peacekeeping mission since the fighting ended in July 1992. The Moldovan government, which does not recognize Transnistria’s independence, wants the Russian troops to leave.
The Transnistrian parliament and a Vladimir Lenin statue
As a self-proclaimed country, Transnistria has its own parliament, president, currency and passports. The Transnistrian ruble and Transnistrian passports are effectively useless, though, outside of the breakaway region. Residents of Transnistria often acquire Russian or Moldovan passports so they can travel internationally.
Transnistria has a lone oligarch, Viktor Gushan, more commonly known as the “Sheriff.” Gushan’s company, Sheriff, owns numerous supermarkets and gas stations, as well as a television channel, the football club in the Transnistrian capital Tiraspol and many other assets.
Life is slow-paced in the unrecognized country with a distinct Soviet feel. But residents enjoy beaches along the Dniester River, party boats and even night clubs.
The party boat
Foreign visitors do not need a visa to enter Transnistria, but they must register with Transnistrian police. If you plan to visit the unrecognized country, you will surely have an easier time getting in than Rogozin did this week.