Kyiv expresses concern over convoys of Russian military equipment moving towards Transnistrian border with Ukraine
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is concerned about the transfer of Russian military equipment to the territory of the unrecognized Transnistria, stated the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its concern over the actions of the Russian Federation in violation of the Transnistrian conflict zone regime, particularly the unauthorized transfer on June 14, 2018 of military equipment and weapons for the Operational Group of Russian Forces in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, [which were] accompanied by unrecognized ‘law-enforcement agencies,’” notes the commentary.
Ukraine declared that Russia has violated its obligations towards the Transnistrian settlement process.
"Russia’s failure to complete its obligations undermines confidence among the participants in the negotiation process and creates an atmosphere of tension in the regional dimension," the Foreign Ministry said.
The Ministry stressed that Ukraine has consistently supported the position of the Government of the Republic of Moldova on the need for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from the country, in accordance with the decisions of the 1999 Istanbul OSCE Summit.
The day prior, Russian military equipment was observed in Transnistria near the Ukrainian border. Three columns with various types of military and armored vehicles passed along the Tiraspol-Rybnitsa route.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet has been called to increased combat readiness, allegedly due to potential provocations by Ukraine during the 2018 World Cup soccer tournament. The World Cup is currently taking place across Russia.