Moldova Exposes Alleged Drone Attack, Points to Russian Provocation
The incident in the Transnistrian region, where a military helicopter was allegedly struck by a drone, was deliberately provoked to instigate panic and maintain tension in society on both banks of the Dniester River.
This conclusion was drawn by the Reintegration Policy Bureau after relevant institutions of the Republic of Moldova analysed video footage circulated on various social networks and media outlets from the left bank of the Dniester.
Furthermore, Chișinău specifies that the disseminated materials contain evident signs of video manipulation, suggesting that the helicopter fire was caused by factors other than the drone depicted in the footage.
"Based on the available information, it is crucial to inform the public that the Russian Federation is planning several such actions in the perimeter of the Transnistrian region and the Security Zone in the near future. Since a military attack on the Republic of Moldova is not feasible, such actions aim to induce panic, sow distrust in society, and weaken the economy. It is emphasised that these actions have no tangible consequences and do not pose a real threat to citizens but are intended solely to intimidate. The Reintegration Bureau has assured that authorities, in collaboration with external partners, are closely monitoring the situation in the region to maintain stability and preempt new challenges."
On March 17, the media from the left bank of the Dniester reported that a kamikaze drone had apparently been launched at a "military unit" in Tiraspol. The source noted that a Mi-8MT helicopter was destroyed. No casualties were reported, and the alleged law enforcement agencies in the region stated that a criminal case had been opened on this matter.
The so-called security ministry of the Transnistrian region stated that it would seek Interpol's assistance to investigate what it terms a "terrorist attack." Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated that the alleged drone attack on a helicopter in the Transnistrian region is "a provocation by Russia."
It is important to note that on that day, citizens from the left bank of the Dniester with Russian passports presented themselves at polling stations to elect the president of the Russian Federation. Six polling stations were opened, although the authorities in Chișinău allowed the opening of a polling station only at the Russian Embassy in Chișinău.
Experts state that the "armed forces" of the Transnistrian region do not have such helicopters in their inventory. Furthermore, "the armed forces" of the left bank of the Dniester do not have such helicopters in their inventory, and Mi-8s from the Operational Group of Russian Troops in the Transnistrian region are no longer functional.
"In previous years, the Russian Ministry of Defense unsuccessfully attempted to import parts for their repair. Our sources have not yet been able to confirm the authenticity of the video," according to I4P.
Furthermore, military expert Artur Leșcu said that despite the claims of the Transnistrians that the helicopter was destroyed by a drone, it is visible that the explosion actually occurred beneath the helicopter, and there is no trace of a drone in the footage.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
