What is Transdniestria and where is it located?

Transdniestria (also known as Pridnestrovie or Transnistria) is a separatist enclave located on the east bank of the Dniester River within the borders of Moldova.12

Proclaiming its independence in 1990, the region is not recognized as a sovereign state by any member of the international community. Despite this, it maintains its own administrative structures, including a national bank, currency, customs house, flag, and national anthem, with Tiraspol serving as its main city.12

The region’s status remains a point of significant tension. Following a brief civil war in the early 1990s, a cease-fire was established, but the area continues to host a Russian military presence. Transdniestria holds a large portion of Moldova's industrial capacity and serves as a primary source of the country's electricity, which has led to intermittent supply disruptions during periods of political friction. While the 1994 Moldovan constitution offered the territory "special status," the Transdniestrian government has consistently rejected such integration in favor of its self-proclaimed independence.321