Originally Posted by
Tartiflette Fan
Is there any benefit to Russia - apart from a tiny propaganda plus - to Transnistria shouting "We want to join you, big brother " ? The 2 000 Russian troops there can't do anything useful. The huge - and old - munitions stocks can't be transferred any more easily. Is there a big downside in that Ukraine could invade for the munitions ?
That apart, how are the Russian forces being supported - buying all supplies locally ?
Putin would have another casus belli to invade Moldova "to protect" those poor rebels, just like the Donbas. The fly in the ointment is to move troops and stuff over there, at least for the time being.