Zelensky Reacts To Distribution Of Russian Passports In Transnistria

• 16.05.2026, 20:38

Ukraine has contacted Moldova and is preparing a response.

After Russia simplified the procedure of obtaining citizenship for residents of unrecognized Transnistria, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to hold consultations with Moldova to jointly assess the situation and coordinate possible actions. He said this in his evening address to Telegram.

The head of state noted that on the previous day Russia had taken a "new step" in relation to Transnistria by simplifying the obtaining of a Russian passport for natives of this region of Moldova.

He said that this step is of a "specific nature" and can be seen not only as a way to attract new citizens, but also as an attempt to strengthen its influence on the territory of Transnistria, in fact designating it as its own.

Zelensky also said that Moscow often claims that its interests are limited only to Donbas, but the real policy, in his opinion, covers a wider region.

He emphasized that the presence of Russian military and special services in Transnistria poses a threat, while Ukraine is interested in a stable and strong Moldova. In this regard, the president instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to establish interaction with the Moldovan side in order to develop a joint position, and expects proposals from the special services and intelligence on further steps of response.