Moldova’s Breakaway Transdniester Marks Anniversary Of Russian Troop Presence

Moldova’s breakaway Transdniester region marked the 25th anniversary of Russia's so-called peacekeeping operation in Bender-Tighina, Transdniester, on July 29. Deployed shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Russian forces effectively froze the conflict between independent-minded Moldovans and a pro-Russian minority. The event, which featured an exhibition on Russian forces, military-style catering, and a performance by a Russian rock band, was attended by the region’s separatist leader Vadim Krasnolesky and Russian Ambassador to Moldova Farit Mukhamedshin. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was absent, as his plane was blocked a day earlier by neighboring Romania from using its airspace. Bucharest said Rogozin was on an EU sanctions list imposed after Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. The move triggered condemnation by Moldova’s pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, Russia, and Transdniester. (RFE/RL's Moldovan Service)