Foreign relations of Transnistria



The Transnistrian republic is recognized by three states with limited recognition, and is a member of one international organization, the Community for Democracy and Human Rights, that was established by these four states.

Soviet and Russian heritage
During the perestroika years, the Soviet KGB was suspected of fostering independence movements over the right bank of the Dnester River, and in another Moldovan region, Gagauzia, home to a Turkic minority. The KGB's aim was suspected to be using these movements to restrain and hamper Moldovan desire for independence. Although Ukraine's historical claim to Transnistria was equally as strong, Soviet/Russian military leaders in Transnistria (including those of the 14th Guards Combined Arms Army) tried to claim that the region was "part of Russia," despite the hundreds of miles of Ukraine which separated Transnistria from Russia.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia repeatedly acted in ways that denied the former Soviet republics, including Moldova, their sovereignty and right to exist. Transnistria broke away from Moldova with the assistance of the 14th Guards Army following a brief but intense war in 1992. Supporting the Transnistrian separatists formed part of this imperial agenda. Transnistria, which declared independence from Moldova in 1990 but has not been recognized by the United Nations, has been heavily reliant on Russian support for its survival and de facto independence. Russia has continued to provide strong political support, recognizing its government and offering diplomatic backing in international forums. This support has been critical in sustaining Transnistria's de facto independence from Moldova.

Since then, it has maintained a close relationship with Russia, which has included economic aid, political support, and the presence of Russian military forces in the territory.

The 14th Guards Army decayed down into the significantly-Transnistrian manned Operational Group of Russian Forces, which is separate from Russian "peacekeeping troops" also in the territory.

Transnistria's economy has heavily depended on Russian subsidies and support. Throughout 2022–2023, Russia reportedly increased its economic aid to Transnistria, helping to stabilize the breakaway region's economy amid global economic challenges. This aid has included direct financial support, subsidies for natural gas, and other economic benefits.

Diplomatic relations
In addition to official diplomatic relations, Transnistria uses specific tools to enact external political relations via public diplomacy. For instance, the Transnistrian President established the state award Order of Friendship (Орден Дружбы) in 2012 to primarily decorate foreigners; it has since then been bestowed upon individual recipients (mainly politicians) from Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Italy, and the Catholic Church.