https://www.dw.com/en/russia-warns-moldova-over-transnistria-troops/a-63013005

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week warned
Moldova not toendanger Russian troops stationed in Transnistria,
a pro-Russian breakaway region in the country's east, saying
doing so could spark military confrontation.

In a television interview with a Russia station this Thursday,
Lavrov said "any action that would threaten the security of
our troops would be considered under international law as an
attack on Russia."

Several hours earlier, Lavrov had accused Moldova's pro-European
President Maia Sandu of blocking talks to resolve the Transnistria
conflict. "Transnistria and Russia support direct dialogue, but
judging by statements made by President Maia Sandu and her team,
they do not want such dialogue, as they are being directed by
the US and EU to reject talks," Lavrov said. "Apparently, they
are seeking a non-diplomatic solution to the Transnistria problem."

.. . .

Moldova is absolutely defenseless against Russia.

Transnistria is a thin slice of land that is right
up against southern Ukraine - and VERY close to
Odessa. Moving heavier armaments into that area
would allow Russia to effectively "surround" Odessa
and bombard it from two sides. The Pro-Russian pop
has been supplied/built-up by Russia since the 90s.

Moldova has seen one of the greatest population
losses ever in recent memory - and not because of
Russia or plague or war or anything like that. It
is kind of stuck in the late 1800s in many respects
and is 'pastoral' ... ie nothing much ever happens
there. Two generations of youth have already fled,
mostly to Romania, in hopes of gainful employment
that doesn't involve cows and goats. On the whole,
Moldova would be a great retirement destination.