... territory is entering the new decade with its status still unrecognized, which complicates economic and social development; it is in a diplomatic dispute with Moldova over the presence of a small Russian peacekeeping force on its soil and its relations with Ukraine have worsened owing to the latter’s contradictions with Russia.
Unlike the other long-standing conflicts, however, the probability of the Transnistria situation escalating into an open confrontation remains extremely small. On the contrary, Moldovan President Igor Dodon’s Socialist Party, which concentrated power in its hands after the grey cardinal Vladimir Plahotniuc was overthrown,...
... into the challenges facing the CIS and its prospects with the editorial board of the Russian International Affairs Council.
Russia's presidency of the CIS: What are our... ... narrower integration structures like the EEU in the first place.
It is quite symbolic that Ukraine, regardless of the extreme deterioration of its relations with Russia, does... ... and changes appear to be unlikely in the foreseeable future.
As for the conflict in Transnistria, there are some positive dynamics due to Igor Dodon’s victory in the...
... “suspended” status of the PMR and continue negotiations without much hope for an early breakthrough.
This scenario has its positive sides – ensuring peace and a balance of forces in the region – but it looks problematic without stronger Russian economic influence in Transnistria, and with Ukraine’s increasingly confrontational mood over the PMR. Changes in Moldova’s foreign policy (renunciation of neutrality and a final choice in favour of joining NATO) set additional obstacles in the way of implementing this model.
Recommendations
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... expiring on January 1, 2016.
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As for Moldova, it is trying to exploit the situation in order to impose regulative control over Transnistrian enterprises.
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The Ukrainian crisis is making the life of Tiraspol much harder. Since consumer demand in Ukraine and Russia is falling, Transnistrian companies are losing their eastern markets. Moreover, in spring 2015, Kiev strengthened its blockade of Transnistrian exports by restricting Ukrainian supplies and the banning delivery of excised items to the TMR.
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Transnistrian enterprises ...
... per cent being directed to the European Union and 7.8 per cent to Ukraine. Customs Union countries (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) accounted for just 18.2 per cent of Transnistria’s export, with Russia making up 17.6 per cent.
At the same time, Russia is the biggest importer to Transnistria (42.6 per cent), followed by Ukraine (17.4 per cent), Belarus (6.5 per cent), Germany (5.7 per cent), Moldova (5 per cent) and Italy (2.8 per cent). Despite the declared course towards “Eurasian integration” and its “reorientation towards the transport market”,...
