Tensions over Transdniester continued: Russia 4 Aug accused Moldova and Ukraine of trying to block Russia's access to its troops in Transdniester; Moldova govt 5 Aug called on Moscow to withdraw troops and weapons from region. Pro- Russian separatists in Transdniester 7 Aug put their security forces on alert citing alleged military threat from Ukraine and Moldova. Natural-gas pipeline from Romania reducing country’s reliance on Russia completed 27 Aug.

Parliament 2 July ratified Association Agreement with EU; Russia’s deputy PM said move violates rights of people of breakaway Transdniester region, Russia same day announced sanctions on Moldovan imports. Russia and Transdniester 3 July signed series of cooperation agreements. Moldova’s Council for TV and Radio 4 July suspended Russia 24 TV channel’s broadcast license, placed sanctions on 4 Moldovan broadcasters. FM Natalia Gherman 29 July announced Moldova will participate in Sept NATO summit for the first time.

Govt 27 June signed EU Association Agreement. Another round of talks on conflict over breakaway Transdniester region held 5-6 June in Vienna, attended by representatives from OSCE, EU, Russia, U.S. and Ukraine.

Govt early May put border forces on alert amid increasing concern over escalating crisis in Ukraine. Russian deputy PM and special representative for Moldova’s breakaway Transdniester region Dmitry Rogozin visited Transdniester 9 May, pledged Russia would guarantee security of region; Chisinau summoned Russian ambassador to explain Rogozin’s visit. Rogozin 12 May reportedly warned of consequences if Chisinau signs EU Association Agreement.

Breakaway Transdniester’s Supreme Council 16 April urged Russia, UN and OSCE to recognise its independence. Russian FM Lavrov told Moldovan FM that Russia respects Moldovan territorial integrity. Country granted visa-free travel to EU; set to sign association agreement with EU in June.

Senior NATO commander 23 March warned Moscow could be targeting Moldova’s separatist Transdniester region. Transdniestrian parliamentary speaker Nikhail Burla 17 March urged Russia to admit region. President Timofti 19 March urged EU to bring forward planned signing of association agreement with country. U.S. pledged additional $10m to Moldova to help secure borders.

PM Leanca held talks with leader of breakaway region Trandniester 23 Sept ahead of planned 3 Oct negotiations on issue involving OSCE, EU, Russia, U.S. and Ukraine. Russian deputy PM warned Moldova that its signing of an association agreement with EU would mean “cutting relations” with Russia, affecting trade, migrant workers and Russian position on Transdniester. President Timofti 4 Sept said Moldova committed to EU course.

Leader of Moldova’s separatist Transdniester region Yevgeny Shevchuk 10 June issued decree marking region’s borders, including in Transdniester territory currently under Moldovan jurisdiction. OSCE, EU called on Moldova and Transdniester to work together to resolve dispute. 

Talks on Transdniestria in Lviv 19 Feb, with representatives from Russia, Ukraine, U.S., EU, OSCE, plus Moldova and Transdniestria; OSCE urged sides to maintain momentum in negotiations set to continue May.

President Timofti rejected Russian proposal to open consulate in breakaway Transdniester region, urged Russia to pull its troops out of area.