Trans-Dniester

Region of northeastern Moldova, lying between the River Dniester and the Ukraine, and largely inhabited by ethnic Slavs (Russians and Ukrainians). The main city in the region is Tiraspol. In the early 1990s, Trans-Dniester was the scene of violent agitation for a separate state; it was granted special autonomous status in the new Moldovan constitution of 1994.

In October 1990, Slav separatists unilaterally declared a breakaway republic in Trans-Dniester, fearing a resurgence of ethnic Romanian nationalism as Moldova moved toward independence. A state of emergency was declared in November 1990. Violence escalated in May 1992 in response to mounting fears of reunification with Romania, and by July 1992 hundreds had died in the fighting. By August a ceasefire had been agreed. Despite the constitutional settlement, Slav leaders continue to demand a sovereign state.

The fighting May–July 1992 involved separatists, Moldovan forces, and the Russian 14th Army (officially drafted in to maintain order in the region but, according to Moldovan sources, actively supporting the Slav guerrillas). Romania, officially neutral in the conflict, was similarly accused by Russia of backing the Moldovan military.